10 Tips For Conquering Your Fears

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Thanks coastergallery.com.

Here's part of an email I received that really struck home hard. But first a little story. My wife and I went to Vegas and I had a severe "fear" of rollercoasters; or maybe it was just a fear of not being in control, being a helpless passenger. My freind Brown had given me a list of all the greatest rides and thrills and must-sees. Anyway, we decided to get on this coaster named "Speed." My guts were churning long before we got into line. After being in line, I kinda joked around to relieve my gnawing anxiety, trying to keep it hidden and appear cool about it all. Maybe it was 5 seconds that I turned back to her and made some wise crack as the car in front of me, being first in line, sped away! Then the most alarming thing happened; I heard the rushing wind of the car returning in maybe 5 blinks of my eyes. My heart was doing but-kicks at this point. "OMG!!! Is this the same coaster that JUST left?" we each thought to ourselves. Well, of course, we got in; afterall there was no way to get out of line. ARRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!!! The little handles came down and I felt my mind leave my skull from the teeth-clenching speed of take-off! It was HORRIFIC at best! My forearms were getting sore just from my grip and my mind was debating death as I witnessed what was next on the ride — a gut-vomiting loop and plunge. My mind was lurching at full pace, trying to recapute any sense of control or bodily functions. Everything was threatening mutiny! What had I done? Even worse; I never gave my wife a second thought. Afterall, she loved these things! She's a "Cedar Pointe" lover.

Then in one agonizing second, I did it. I had caught up with everything. I was able to look around and see how much fun everybody was having. I was able to reason that kids do this all the time, surely I can, it's safe, this is entertainment! In these terrifying five seconds, I had been transformed. I WAS in control. I shouted and roared at its every turn and dip as if I were riding the metallic alligator under my own guise. My mind charged into every turn and every unknown lurking ahead. It was then that I looked over at my terrified wife next to me. This WASN'T her favorite ride...she did NOT like this coaster. In her infinite wisdom, she had bought us free rides for the rest of the night. I ran to get back in line, dragging her trembling body behind me. She was even more terrified the second time and I couldn't convince her into another attempt. Speed satisfied me. I stared into her razor-sharp glistening teeth and those empty void orbs with my lucid smile without coveting my fear any longer. I can still feel that fear if I try and remember it. IT was savage and all-consuming. It's still out there, just hidden in different endeavors. This is the email I received...

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10 Tips for Conquering your Fears!

Have you ever had a fear that kept you from living life fully? Perhaps this fear has stopped you from having MORE fun or experiencing GREATER success. Yes? You're not alone. I have too.

What's your "rollercoaster"? I bet you have one, or many. We all do. What fear, if you conquered it, would allow you to have a bit more fun, experience greater success, or live life more fully? Some fears feel bigger to conquer than others. My rollercoaster fear may not seem like the biggest fear one could have, but having it caused me to isolate myself from people and kept me from having MORE fun, joy and exhilaration in my life.

Conquering your fears, one by one, builds confidence and increases your quality of life. Don't let your fears hold you back from living the life you wish you were living.

10 Tips For Conquering Your Fears:

   1. Recognize a fear is present
   2. Declare you are going to conquer the fear
   3. Expect to feel anxious, awkward and scared
   4. Consider copying a style you like until you find your own style
   5. Focus your attention
   6. Motivate yourself with affirmations
   7. Step into the fear with abandon
   8. Let go and have fun! Remind yourself to keep breathing
   9. Pat yourself on the back when it's over
   10.Notice how much easier it gets

When you have time, take a personal inventory of the fears keeping you from living the life you want. Then make a commitment and challenge yourself to face and conquer one them that's been holding you back. Use the tips above to guide your way. To get started, see if any common fears from the list below fit you:

Admitting mistakes or wrong-doings. Adventure. Being inadequate/not good enough. Doing something you've never done before. Expressing yourself. Failure. Healing emotional wounds. Health concerns. Money/finances. Never having enough. Public speaking. Promoting yourself. Saying "NO". Sharing your feelings. Taking a risk, such as starting a business or changing careers. Traveling.

And once you've figured out what your fears are... CONQUER them!

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