Building Muscles

                                  You must do the thing you think you cannot do.

                                                               ~~Eleanor Roosevelt


You were born with only two natural fears – the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. Every other fear you have has been learned. Governments, cultures, and even families use fear as a method of control. Your parents probably told you not to run out into the street because you might get hit by a car – which controlled you as a child. Instead of celebrating diversity, your culture may have taught you to “stay with your own kind” because you can’t trust people who are different. And one look at the news media today shows how governments use fear as a method of control.

But your biggest fears aren't created by the world around you—they're created in your mind by what you think is going to happen.  These fears might cause you to play the “what if” game which stops you from exercising your courage muscles. Remember, the word IF is two letters- The I stands for Ignorance and the F stands for Fear. Ignorance of what is possible and Fear of becoming your authentic self. Instead of asking “what if”, start asking “why not”.

The only way to build courage is to face your fears and plow right through them. But, you need a strong desire and a willingness to replace your fears with courage. And, you need patience. Your fears didn’t evolve in a day or a week – you’ve nurtured them for years.  The process of tearing down your fears and building up your courage will take time. Don’t get discouraged – you can do this.


~~Weekly Challenge~~

Start building your courage muscles by answering the following questions.  This will take time and require you to look inside yourself for the answers.


    *What fears held you back as a child?

    *What fears do you continue to nurture as an adult?

    *What kinds of “What If” statements have stopped you from doing something you wanted to do?

    *List at least three things that you lack the courage to do.

    *Write down the steps you must take to complete each of these tasks.


Do at least one step each week and put a check mark next to the step when it is completed. Write down your feelings after you complete each step.  Feel free to email me with the successes you've had overcoming fear in your own life.  I'd love to hear from you.


Blessings,

Cindy
cakozak88@gmail.com