The movie Romantics Anonymous features two people crippled in their fears of everything who, against all odds, find each other.
Adorable right? As I watched, somewhat painfully, at the awkward exchanges and misunderstandings, I grew in empathy toward them and their “emotions” that get the better of them. The anxiety they live with to do normal everyday things was incredibly compounded when they met each other. While I could entertain you with my own set of awkward moments or anxiety ridden thoughts, that’s not this blog post (if you’re lucky, maybe some day soon). Instead, this post discusses fear.
Fear is defined as:
- an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger
- anxious concern
- profound reverence and awe especially toward God
- reason for alarm
Fear has reared its ugly head in clients seeking career coaching as well:
- clients who stopped dreaming because they are simply terrified of not finding a job
- students who plan to go to graduate school out of fear of looking for a job
- students who are crippled with indecision about their major for fear of the wrong choice
- and even clients who fear succeeding
Fear is underneath a LOT of our other emotions – anger, jealousy, stubbornness, arrogance, self-deprecation, and more. I think it’s important to be a student of fear in order to recognize it at work within us. I’ve been someone who lives in fear. I’ve also seen it guiding people in my life. And it makes me indignant.
Here’s a truth bomb for you – love is greater than fear. I want us to refuse the luggage of fear and insecurity and instead fight through the awkwardness of living in love. It’s worth it.
Friend – let today be the beginning of taking risks in the name of love.
A version of this first appeared on Meaning in the Making