Fear nothing but fear itself

Self preservation is a very strong motivational force. It is only natural to try to protect oneself from harm by taking certain measures. All that is completely understandable. The problem is when we go overboard with the "being cautious" part. Nobody is asking you to do something stupid, but a little risk here and there is justified, right?

Fear is THE most important emotion as per me. When you fear something, it tells you that the thing can cause you harm. If you fear FOR something, then you know you care for that thing/person. It's not as bad as it sounds. Without fear, there would be no caution. Honestly speaking, how many motorists would wear a helmet or use the seatbelt if it wasn't for the fear of being caught by the ever ready traffic cop? 

Being scared is the reason for long self sustainance. Lemme give you an example, imagine not feeling pain. Not knowing that nothing can cause you discomfort. Would you then stop yourself from putting your hand into the fire? Fear prevents you from doing stupid things. But it isn't too good a thing either. As essential as it is, fear can many a times cause quite the reverse effect. Like in those cases where pedestrians are scared stiff in the middle of the bus you road and stay rooted there till a big truck makes them roadkill.

But, guess you must already know this part, fear isn't always the best guide. How many instances do you remember where you didn't do as something just because you were afraid that something might go wrong, only to regret it later. That there, is your fear of failure. Some people find this inspirational, a challange. Others, like me, most probably falter. Many a times the latter situation leads to your dread actually coming true.

My folks have always told me about how people would try to use your own fear against to you for their own agendas. So naturally the next exercise would be to know about how to mask your fears. I for one, have it bad. First sign of distress and my face lights up to a shade of red like a Christmas tree. Not good people, not good.

So you see, its mighty important to conquer your fears or they would prevent you from competing menial tasks in your day to day life. Want an example? Ever seen a late night horror movie only to return home with the living daylights blown outta you? Every corner has an apparent ghoul/demon/possessed toy waiting to rip your guts out. Fear does th.at to you. You start anticipating the worst. In real life you start imagining scenarios. It only goes downhill from there.

So to end it all, unlike what most people would advise you, don't let go of your fears. They help you survive, but then again, don't let them rule you. All the best.