Trent

I’m glad you enjoyed the post

Trent

That’s an awesome story in itself.

I was an Army man, myself, and I remember the obstacle courses. I always enjoyed them the most, though there were some scary times. I almost got stabbed in the back during bayonet training (by accident, I hope). I didn’t have to swing from that high in the air. I would imagine once the fear left you, it was a lot of fun.

Breathing is always helpful. When I become anxious, I turn on 20 minutes of rain sounds and then focus on my breath while listening. You are right; by the time I finish the 20 minutes, my head is so much clearer. Thanks for the feedback.

Trent

Anyway, the drill instructor kept shouting “Fear will get you hurt” at us as we navigated the course. What I learned from it was that I could do a lot more than I thought I could do if I could learn to manage irrational fears. I believe that fear is a useful emotion. It is a reaction to a perceived threat or danger that is intended to heighten our awareness and quicken our decision making. However, when fear becomes paralyzing, it loses its value.

I have found that one of the most effective ways of managing fear is, when I recognize that I am becoming fearful, to stop what I’m doing and take a few deep breaths. The breathing calms me, and more importantly provides the oxygen to my brain that I need to think things through and counter any irrational thoughts. Sometimes I find my fears are rational, and I can take appropriate action. Other times I find that my fears are not so rational, and I move on.

This is the “stop-breathe-think-act” model taught to rescue divers. And for me it works.

I will agree, I have received an awesome outcome from overcoming that particular scary fear.

The amazing part is that I have been in so many other situations since then when I used this process, and things always work out when I act instead of listening to my fears.

I’m glad you like the story. Thank you for your kind words.

Trent

Great story and congratulations. That is good that you listened to your heart instead of your fear. Always hard to put yourself out there in those types of situations, but you did it and now you have a wonderful outcome. All the best.

That was easily the best decision I’ve ever made, talking to her again. It’s been two years and I still can’t believe I almost let her pass me by. She’s a great reminder that I can get a lot more by being brave than from being scared :).

Trent

I struggled with the same issues for years. This story is really toward the end of that journey (not that it’s completely over). You might enjoy “Feel the fear and do it anyway” by Susan Jeffers. Also, my book “10 Days To Your Magic Life” could help you out as well. If you go to amazon Today or Tomorrow, there’s a free copy. That will end Saturday. If you would like any other help, please feel free to reach out to me personally.

Trent