#11 - Fear of the Unknown

If there's anything that freaks me out is the fear of the unknown. That is, the fear of uncertainties or things that might happen in the future. 

It is a negative feeling that all humans didn't sign up for. We grew up only to find out it's an instrinsic feature of the human psyche. 

It can take various forms: it could be the fear of getting sick from a rare infection. Or that of an aeroplane crash that you might lose your life. Or that of someone going to break your heart. Or the fear that at some point, one after the other, mankind will cease to exist. It could be anything. Apparently, it's an endless list that can take up a thousand pages if it were to be written down.

But inasmuch as we are scared to death concerning things which we have no control over, we still can't fold our arms and do nothing. We can't negate our lives to a vicious circle of fear. Because if we do so, we'll all end up living a hopeless life. 

I know we like to feel we are in absolute control of all the happenings around us. But the truth is, we can't. And there's is no way that we can. Sad to say, it's a realization that we all must come to terms with.  

If you are fond of asking yourself dozens of questions on what if this or that happens, I suggest you take a leap of faith that as events unfold things will be alright. I know it requires a significant leap of faith to believe that there is success at the end of tunnel when every spirit in you is trying to freak you out. However, just do it anyway. 

  

Believing that some certain things are beyond your control would make you feel better. It might look like putting your faith in what's not certain, however, I'd advice you try doing so before arriving at that conclusion. 

Simply put, try to change your perception from being scared of the unknown to embracing the unknown in good faith as it reveals itself in due time.  

Who knows? Perhaps you might end up saying there is beauty in the unkown--it's like a puzzle. It fascinates as its outcomes gradually unfolds--however, the reverse might be the case in some situations. Whichever way it is, this slight shift in perception will make you feel better. 

However, don't try to repress these fears by denying the fact that it exist. Doing so will only lead to more problems. And more problems means more uncertainties which, of course, is still fear in different proportions.

Instead, try to make some realizations by: 

1) Accepting that fear is a part of human nature

2) Understanding the causes of your fears

3) Observing your emotional reactions when you experience fear

 4) Looking for ways to control these fears. 

By accepting that it's part of human nature, you've started making progress towards worrying less over what you cannot change. And by identifying the causes of your fears, you have a chance of being in control of the whole situation. 

By understanding your emotional reactions, you get to know how your body system feels whenever you're scared of anything. Thus, making you have a better understanding of how to react in situations you experience fear. 

By observing your emotional reactions, you get to know what triggers different kinds of feelings in you. It gives you a chance to know how to control this fear that freaks you out.

In essence, live well, enjoy your life and do your best in whatever pursuit you find yourself. Trust me, doing so will come in handy than worrying unnecessarily.