What about fear holds us back? When I say fear, I don’t mean your fear of heights (though it might be holding you back from a few pretty incredible views – I get it!). When I talk about fear with my clients, we dive into the areas which are more subtle, yet create even deeper blinders within us. The fear of failing, the fear of the unknown, the fear that we don’t have what it takes – those types of fears can be way more damaging than being afraid of spiders or snakes (though I get those, too!)
While it is healthy to have certain levels of fear and caution, when your fears start to limit you from aligning with what’s best for you and reaching your potential – it’s important to look at it. Fear gets in our way by influencing our choices, our ability to have deep, meaningful relationships, and stepping into our highest potential.
Often, our fear is masked by other emotions making it difficult to pinpoint and recognize. Letting fear drive our behavior and decisions results in missed opportunities because we’re afraid of potential bad outcomes. It means we refrain from speaking our truth because we’re worried about what others may think or how they’ll respond. And it means we are hesitant to leave our comfort zone because of fear of the unknown.
But when we start developing a connection to our inner self – to our intuition – it’s amazing how we can start to alleviate and set aside so many of our internal fears and start embracing elevated levels of bold decision-making and personal growth.
Acknowledging Your Fear
One of your greatest superpowers is your intuition. It guides us to not only acknowledge our deeper feelings, but also to pinpoint and understand the root and how we can heal them. Part of developing a deeper connection with your intuition is consistently checking in with yourself – giving space to experience and process everything you are feeling. To acknowledge each emotion, and set free the negative feelings that are holding you back from your greater potential.
With a stronger connection with your inner self, you’ll learn quickly that your body gives you consistent signs you’re in a state of fear. It may be a physical sensation you get in a certain part of your body, or it may show itself in the form of specific thoughts – things like recurring dreams.
Fear is an intense emotional experience. It can affect our breathing patterns, cause physical discomfort, and lead to elevated levels of anxiety and stress. But the first step to alleviating it is to recognize it and understand what is driving it. Without taking the time to acknowledge what it is you’re feeling – and in turn what’s causing it – overcoming it is a real challenge.
Work With Your Fear, Not Against It
Fear is a part of human nature and – as I mentioned before – having some fear and caution is a part of who we are. The key to not letting fear get in your way is not only acknowledging it, but then learning to work with your fear instead of against it. Trying to shove our fear aside, or suppress our feelings, wishing it away – doesn’t help and only exacerbates it in the long run.
Once you’ve identified the root of the fear the next step is accepting it. When you’re able to identify the specific emotions you’re feeling, it’s easier to recognize your “fear triggers”, and understand what’s causing your fear to overpower positive behavior and emotions. That is where your connection with your intuition is truly your best guide. Your intuition gives you the ability to understand the root of your fear so that you can address it at its core, and not just suppress it or address it superficially. When you understand the why – the “how” of letting go of your fear becomes much so much easier.
The power you hold through your intuition is limitless, and so are you!