From an evolutionary perspective, fear was meant to alert us about potential danger and to protect us. We may have been afraid of a sound that was heard in the forest in order to alert us to danger or afraid of a cloud formation that might signal a treacherous storm.
In modern times, many of our fears keep us bound and are not helpful in alerting us to danger. Instead, they are formed by a reactionary pattern that keeps us in a less desirable overall state.
We know that our thoughts create our reality. One of the major problems with unconscious fear is that the brain can be in a state of constant anticipation of negative things. We then focus our attention to look for ways to validate these fears. Fear becomes the gatekeeper of our comfort zone and causes us to limit our experiences.
What is helpful is to begin to think and respond differently, to hold a positive outlook.
What are some of the benefits of OPTIMISM?
- Based on the Law of Attraction (Like attracts like), by being optimistic, you will draw positive outcomes to yourself.
- Research shows that optimism leads people to better overall health.
- Optimistic people are generally “luckier,” more successful, and regarded as more appealing.
- Studies have shown that imagining positive outcomes releases fear.
- The more optimistic you are, the more you create a pattern of response that perpetuates your positive feelings.
What are some steps to bring about more positive thinking?
- Recognize what is NOT happening in your life that you would LIKE to have happen.
- Identify what you CAN do to make it happen and focus on that.
- Fear and optimism cannot occupy the same space, so the more optimistic you can be and feel, the LESS fear you experience.
- Focus on one thing that makes you happy, that you are grateful for, and bring this into your mind whenever you experience a fearful thought.
You may be surprised that small steps toward optimism can bring about big changes. Combine optimism with gratitude and you are on your way to a better life!