Afraid of the Shadows?

I just saw a video today - http://youtube.com/watch?v=4DH01tAnL6g - that shows a young child who sees her shadow, and cries, from what seems to be fear.

I share it with you because, to me, there is a message about the fears that we have. The child is afraid, it would seem, because she doesn't understand what the shadow is. She doesn't know what it does, or what it could do. She is afraid of the unknown.

It made me think about the fears that we have. How often have you been afraid to do something to, afterward, have it be ok or even better than ok? How often have you acted a certain way not understanding fully the circumstances that you are reacting to?

There are two acronyms that I have heard for F.E.A.R.
Have you heard them?

Forget
Everything
And
Run

False
Evidence
Appearing
Real

If you think about it, it makes perfect sense that if we are caught up in fear that we would forget everything, including the potential GOOD outcome, as well as potentially misinterpret what we experience. Of course, not every situation that includes fear would be the same. However, how many occasions is fear an unproductive and undesireable part of the situation?

The next time you are afraid, if possible, consider changing your perspective from what could happen to what you'd like to have happen, and focus on that. Even now imagine a situation, and see and feel how the outcome would be much different than the one that would play out from a fear perspective.

It's so much easier to see things from outside the situation. When you're immersed in fear it may seem impossible, or at the very least difficult, to alter your perspective. However, I can promise you that with practice you will find that you will get over your fears quicker and easier than you ever thought possible. You could even use the image of that video (or think of your own past experience with succeeding in spite of your fear) to help alter what you're thinking about and feeling in that moment.

Wonder if I am right?
Wonder if this is right for you?
Well...There is one way to find out.

Have a great day!