The New Year is a time for reflection, resolutions, and setting goals. This is also when you begin to realize that your year 2022 has been full of nothing but fear.
Just like Kaye, as the year got closer to its end, she wanted to reflect on all of the things that had happened to her this year. She grabbed her planner and tried to look for any new experiences she wanted to keep a memory of, but she ended up with blank pages. And that’s when she realized that for the year 2022, she was nothing but a fearful person.
Afraid of going outside due to COVID? That’s Kaye. Nervous that she will be late for work tomorrow if she sleeps past 10 p.m. Classic Kaye. The fact that her parents are already old and might not be around much longer makes her afraid to go outside and live the normal life of an adult in her mid-20s.
Because of her fears, she did not experience any thrill or enjoyment during the year. And of course, that is something we all don’t want to experience. This is why, instead of a fearful 2023, we want you to have a fear-proof 2023. So… what you need to do is face your fear.
Facing your fears can be daunting; actually, dealing with any kind of fear can be a challenge. Whether it’s a fear of failure where you’re afraid that just like in 2022, you won’t still be able to reconcile with your ex-husband; or a fear of success where you’re afraid that you’re going to disappoint the high expectations of the people around you because they are so used to you as someone who is always successful; or a fear of the unknown, you’re afraid that this is a “new” year and everything is supposed to be changing again.
Tips on Having a Fear-Proof New Year
No matter how daunting your fears are, these are also an opportunity to grow and learn. So, to make your year 2023 fear-proof, you need to learn how to face and cope with your fears. Here are some tips on how to cope with your fears and start a fear-proof year in 2023!
1. Breathe through the panic.
The first step to facing your fears is breathing through them. If you know that you’re about to see the person you fear, start your breathing exercise. Focus your attention on your breathing and not on the people around you.
2. Acknowledge your fears.
The second step to facing your fears is acknowledging them. What are you afraid of? Why do you think you feel this way? Once you identify your fear, you can start to work on addressing it.
3. Identify your triggers.
What sets off your fear? Is it a certain situation, person, or place? Once you know what your triggers are, you can start to avoid them or be prepared for them.
4. Challenge your beliefs.
Many times, our fears are based on irrational beliefs. For example, you may be afraid of public speaking because you believe you will make a fool of yourself. But what is the evidence for this? Have you ever given a presentation that worked well? Chances are, you’re more capable than you think. Challenging your beliefs can help you to see your fears in a new light.
5. Take baby steps.
Trying to face your fears all at once can be overwhelming. Instead, take it one step at a time. If you’re afraid of public speaking, start by giving a speech to a small group of people. If you’re afraid of heights, start by standing on a stool. Gradually working your way up to your goal will help you to overcome your fear.
Just remember that facing your fears can be scary, but it’s also an opportunity for growth. By taking small steps and challenging your beliefs, you can start to overcome your fears and live a fuller and fear-proof life of 2023.
Shirley Therapeutic and Consulting Services, LLC, is a diverse therapy clinic that can meet the needs of anyone. If you’d like to talk about your mental health, feel free to message us here. In case of emergency or thoughts of suicide, please click on this link: https://www.sprc.org/states/georgia
