The other day I saw this t-shirt and it said “PUNCH FEAR IN THE FACE!” That was a pretty violent yet awesome line. It was awesome because we all have fear and many times it keeps us from doing what we really want to do. So, the vision of conquering something that holds us back by simply visualizing it and then pummeling it into submission might be a gratifying one to say the least. Even if you can’t visualize doing this with fear, I’m sure you’ve envisioned doing it with a boss, a co-worker, or somebody that happened to find your last nerve and decided to hop on and go for a ride.
Can I really punch fear in the face? Can I really knock it unconscious? Can I really get rid of it? Maybe, maybe not! I know that I haven’t gotten rid of my fears totally. In fact, I discover a bunch of new ones all the time. I constantly have to take a deep breath, I’m talking about a SERIOUS wind-sucking inhale, and then I can move forward. I like to say that I still have fear, I’m just not afraid of fear anymore. Maybe I have actually envisioned punching fear in the face. I would be a total hypocrite if I said that I had conquered fear. But, what I AM learning is that it exists everyday whether I like it or not. It’s part of the natural law of action-reaction. If I commit to something, if I want to do something, there is going to be a natural pushback in some way. That may come in the form of fear. And you know what, that’s ok. I’ve learned to expect it. I’ve learned that it’s going to come. Maybe I can get to the point where I won’t need to even knock it out or punch it in the face. Maybe, I can just see it, give it the head nod and then keep it moving.
But right now, FEAR, Mama said Knock You OUT!!
What do you think about this? What are you afraid of and how are you going to face it today? What’s your plan?
Enjoyed this! Was just speaking to a friend about some of the fears I have. May not conquer them, but I too hope I can get to the point where I see it, say “whaddup” and keep it moving. I’ve missed out on a lot of opportunities because of fear. Don’t want to continue in that path!
Thanks for the response, NJ. “Keeping it moving” is a great plan. Often, some people get caught up in conquering the fear instead of just getting in action on the thing that the fear is keeping you from! You may still have the fear but ACT anyway. We all definitely miss opportunities because of fear. You recognized it. Now just GO!
Fear can certainly be paralyzing. I have started pushing back (or in your terms knocking out)some of mine. The day I go to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris will be an awesome day for me ;).
The Eiffel Tower. Yes, I have not been there but that is definitely on my bucket list.
Perfect timing. I’ve actually been more aware of my fears….and it’s…scary. I was actually listening to Kirk Franklin’s “Hello Fear” album the other day. Anyways, it can be paralyzingly but I’m determined not to let it keep me down. I’ll be referring to this blog from time to time as a gentle reminder 🙂
Thanks,
B
Yes ma’am! Fear can sometimes sneak up on you too, even when you think you’ve got it licked :-). Go forward!
The martial artist and LL Cool J fan that I am makes me appreciate this message even more. I like proactively giving fear a knockout punch from our existence. Thank You!
That’s it! You CAN be pro-active with fear! Fear won’t know what hit it ;-). Thanks for your reply.