Are You Running Towards Fear or Away From It?
Are You Running Towards Fear or Away From It?
Fear is a funny thing. It has the power to dictate our actions without us even realizing it. “Are you running towards fear or away from it?” How can we tell the difference? If you don’t know why you fear what you fear, how can you be sure you’re running away from it and not straight into its trap?
The Illusion of Safety
Think about it: when fear strikes, the first instinct is to flee. You see something behind you—a threat, a failure, or a memory you’d rather not confront—and your legs take off. But have you ever considered that the direction you’re running toward may not be safe either? We assume distance equals safety, but who decides what’s on the other side of the horizon? Fear itself might.
Movies are full of scenes like this: characters escaping one danger, only to stumble into something worse. They never stop to consider their direction. They just want to get away. But what if the very act of running is what keeps us trapped?
When Running Stops Progress
I’ve been there—running, avoiding, hoping that the next move or the next distraction will bring peace. But all I found was exhaustion. At some point, I had to stop. Not because I had the answers, but because I couldn’t keep running. That’s when I realized something crucial: fear feeds on avoidance. Every step you take away from it only strengthens its grip.
When we stop running, we gain perspective. It’s in those moments of stillness that we can ask ourselves the hard questions: “What am I so afraid of? Why does this hold power over me? What happens if I stop running and face it?”
The Power of Turning Around
Here’s the thing about fear—it’s a coward. The moment you stop fleeing and turn to face it, it falters. When you confront what you’ve been avoiding, fear loses its edge. It’s not a monster; it’s a shadow, growing larger the longer you avoid the light.
Facing fear doesn’t mean it disappears overnight. It means choosing courage over comfort. It’s stepping forward, knowing you might stumble, but trusting that the act of confronting it will make you stronger. The truth is, fear often holds the key to our greatest growth. The thing we’re most afraid of is often what’s standing between us and the life we’re meant to live.
Practical Steps to Face Fear
So, how do we stop running and start confronting? Here are a few steps to guide you:
1. Pause and Reflect: The next time you feel the urge to flee, take a moment. Sit with the discomfort and ask, “What am I really afraid of?”
2. Break It Down: Write down your fears. Seeing them on paper can make them less intimidating and help you identify their root causes.
3. Take Small Steps: You don’t have to conquer your fear all at once. Start with small, manageable actions that bring you closer to it.
4. Seek Support: Talk to someone you trust—a friend, mentor, or therapist—who can provide perspective and encouragement.
5. Celebrate Progress: Facing fear is hard work. Acknowledge every step forward, no matter how small.
Run Towards It
Fear will always be a part of life. But it doesn’t have to control you. The next time you feel the urge to run, stop. Look it in the eye, and take a step toward it. Watch how quickly it begins to retreat.
Growth, freedom, and inspiration lie on the other side of fear. The choice is yours: will you keep running, or will you turn around and reclaim your power?