More Ways to Overcome Your Fears and Anxieties
In keeping with the times, Time has just issued its latest collection of articles in its new book: The Age of Anxiety. It seems only fitting they would sell it at the supermarket, which has become a place of anxiety for shoppers, as I experienced in my latest shopping foray. After you stand six feet apart to go in, shoppers seek to space themselves apart in each aisle, which are supposed to be one way. But not everyone adheres to those arrows, and so shoppers — about half wearing mask — often hold their breath in passing one another or grumble as they pass. Then there is more waiting while those on line to check out are 6 feet — the length of two carts — apart. No wonder Time rolled out its Age of Anxiety to sell at supermarket counters where there is an anxious captive audience.
Yet this is another good time to apply the insights of the experts I have collected on how to do to overcome your fears and anxieties and move on. Among other things, as the quotes below illustrate, they urge you to resist or attack fear, sometimes by simply letting it go. You should also be self-reliant and have no regrets when you act. Perhaps you can even have fun as a way to escape your fears. The quotes are drawn from my book Over 100 Ways to Understand and Deal with Your Fear and Anxiety.
Resisting or Attacking Fear
“Resist your fear; fear will never lead to you a positive end. Go for your faith and what you believe.”
T. D. Jakes, American pastor, author, and filmmaker, 1957-present.
“As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it.”
Chanakya, Indian teacher, philosopher, jurist, and royal advisor, 371 BC — 283 BC
“The key to change… is to let go of fear.”
Rosanne Cash, American singer-songwriter and author, 1955-present.
“Write down everything you fear in life. Burn it. Pour herbal oil with a sweet scent on the ashes.”
Yoko Ono, Japanese multimedia artist, singer, songwriter, and peace activist, 1933-present.
Being Self-Reliant
“The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed.”
Swami Vivekananda, Indian Hindu monk, and chief disciple of Ramakrishna, 1863–1902.
Having No Regrets
“Fear is stupid. So are regrets.”
Marilyn Monroe, American actress, model, and singer, 1926–1962.
Having Fun
“There’s no fear when you’re having fun.”
Will Thomas, American novelist. Known for his Victorian mystery series featuring Cyrus Barker, 1958-present.
GINI GRAHAM SCOTT, Ph.D., J.D., is a nationally known writer, consultant, speaker, and seminar leader, specializing in business and work relationships, professional and personal development, social trends, and popular culture. She has published 50 books with major publishers. She has worked with dozens of clients on memoirs, self-help, popular business books, and film scripts. Writing samples are at www.changemakerspublishingandwriting.com.
She is the founder of Changemakers Publishing, featuring books on work, business, psychology, social trends, and self-help. The company has published over 150 print, e-books, and audiobooks. She has received national media exposure for her books, including appearances on Good Morning America, Oprah, and CNN.
Scott is active in a number of community and business groups, including the Lafayette, Pleasant Hill, and Walnut Creek Chambers of Commerce. She does workshops and seminars on the topics of her books.
She is also the writer and executive producer of 10 films in distribution, release, or production. Her most recent films that have been released include Driver, The New Age of Aging, and Infidelity.
She received her Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, and her J.D. from the University of San Francisco Law School. She has received five MAs at Cal State University, East Bay, most recently in Communication.