Does anyone feel that fear can actually promote change or bring more joy to your life?
Can you relate? I think fear can sometimes help us jump into the well of the unknown to help us move forward and pursue our dreams, even though it's scary as hell. There's a book out now called Fear and Joy.
I guess I never realized how fear can be a real game changer in life for the positive..
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Jump to repliesWhen I was 16 I made up my mind I was not going to let fear rule my life, I have had a few fearful moments in my life, but I always remember what Roosevelt said "There is nothing to fear but fear", he was right. I think sometimes a little fear can prod us on, but I prefer to live without it.......love n hugs......peace....
I agree. I remember that quote "There is nothing to fear but fear itself". There's a book out called "Fear and Joy" which I want to read.
So many people fear being fearful and it hold them back from pursuing their goals and prevents them from being happy.
You get 1 life why not be happy?
Thanks for sharing!😊✌️💚
It can be a real motivating factor to help change behaviors. Unfortunately, fear can also make people paralyzed and stop trying.
It always boils down to the following question; which do you fear more, the unknown or your current situation? I'm suddenly reminded of an AMAZING movie called, School for Scoundrels. The following lines, spoken by the "instructor" go something to the effect of:
"You're not losers... A loser tries and fails, takes a shot and misses... You people haven't even taken a shot!"
Glorious! A ruthless gem that's stuck with me throughout the years. If you're in need of a good motivational movie that's also funny as hell, School for Scoundrels won't disappoint.
I feel the opposite I feel Joy can bring Fear. The reason I feel that way is because when I feel Joy I feel somethings going to go wrong. Not use to feeling Joy, don’t Deserve it 😞. But I’m Happy for You
I get it! That's exactly what happens to me every time things are going good. I always think, "This has to be too good to be true?!" I go on high alert and get so paranoid. I can't enjoy a good time😥 I wonder if it's a symptom of my mental illness or is it just me being cynical. I never let myself get to happy, excited or comfortable in any situation because I know it's not going to last. The low times and depression are right around the corner and always remain in the back of my mind. We surely have this in common Want2BHappy. I pray for the best for you, friend.
It's likely a reaction to something that's happened in the past and you're conditioned to react that way.
I just wish I could put my finger on exactly what experience(s) causes this reaction. If I can pinpoint that, I could probably work at alleviating the problem. I imagine it's been a combination of things though. I don't want to be pitied at all, but I've constantly been put in extraordinary situations.
It probably also has to do with my low self esteem. I don't allow myself to be happy because I feel like I'm not deserving of much good fortune.
Sorry to be so long winded Gretel. I appreciate your comments. Thank you so much!
No need for apologies ever.
I believe if you pinpoint it you could work through it. It's hard to do so please don't get upset if you cannot.
I'm not mad about it anymore. I've come to accept it as part of my condition. I have to realize it's an issue I'll probably be dealing with for the rest of my life.
Whenever I'm "up", I try to keep myself grounded as much as possible. I used to be fooled into thinking I could be normal and be free of any mental illness whenever I would have a string of good days. I would be brought back down to earth quickly as depression is always around the corner. The low and dark days will always outweigh the good and I have to learn to cope. I try to keep even keeled as a defense mechanism.
Why not let yourself fall into any state, high or low, and accept it? In my experience, we cause these problems ourselves by trying to keep a tight grip and things will improve when you loosen that grip on yourself and let go.
Working to dismantle a fear in the world (like systemic inequality) probably brings joy as you make progress. Personal fears are just that, personal and each person will react to them in a different way. Conquering a fear should bring a feeling of accomplishment at the very least, even if the road to get there is long and painful.
I agree completely. Tough road, good results!✌️
Fear causes our brains to release adrenaline to "fight or flight", when we are in danger. I have never felt joyful in danger. Fear makes my heart race, my muscles tense, shortness of breath, nausea etc. However when i feel safe & loved oxytocin, dopamine & / or serotonin are released which makes me feel peaceful & joyful. It all depends on what thoughts you think. I know my mind has been conditioned over the years to be fearful. It is taking a huge effort to change my thinking, like turning a locomotive engine around.😣
I am also conditioned to be fearful based on life experiences.
It's like the children's book "The Little Engine That Could"..I tell myself I think I can, I think I can....it's tough for me too so I can relate...
Gretel331 ⚓🌻
Personally, recovery from anxiety is not about changing your thinking, it’s about letting yourself think and feel everything and doing nothing to try and change it. Anxiety creates anxious negative thoughts. It’s what it does, what it’s designed to do. When you learn to get the thoughts go, they gradually lose their power to shock and disappear. Positivity creeps back in, all by itself.
Practicing Detachment for JOY
I felt joy in my heart 
Strong anxiety and fear of dying
Anxiety Book Recommendation - Embracing the Fear
