Release yourself from the prison within you
Some of us are unable to reach our dream or of becoming who we are because we have been "crippled or paralyzed" by our uncertainty and fear of what would happen to us in the future.
It is in this perspective that the “Motivation for Dreamers website” issues this statement: "There is a prison that has an inmates population in the billions. It's a prison without walls, without barbed wire, without guard, and without any physical barrier. But it is the most effective prison in the whole world. Few escaped it, but those who did, find the real and lasting freedom. That prison is in our mind. It is a prison that holds back our initiative, our talent, our ability to express ourselves, and most of all, it holds back the fulfillment of our full potential as human beings.
"That prison is fear,” our source declares. “Our lives today are controlled by fear more than we know. Fear controls the choices we make, our actions, and our habits, and even our destinies.”
It's natural for everyone to be afraid at some point in their lives. I was not exempted to it. Two years ago, some few days before my operation, I was haunted with feeling of uncertainty and fear of the future — what if something not favorable would happen to me? My prayer and faith in God kept me steadfast that I should trust Him and leave my life in His hands. True indeed with God's grace, my prayer was answered. The operation was successful.
In the spiritual realm, the Bible offers powerful insights to release the fear in our hearts and just trust the Lord.
"I will fear no evil. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
"I will help you . For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “ Do not fear, I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:3)
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you, He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
"The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid of?” ( Psalm 27:1)
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
In the same light, the NHS Choices website has its own way of coping with fear. Here they are:
Take time out. It's impossible to think clearly when you're flooded with fear or anxiety. The first thing to do is to take time out so you can physically calm down. Distract yourself from the worry for 15 minutes by walking around the block, making a cup of tea, or having a bath.
Breathe through panic. If you start to get a faster heartbeat or sweating palms, the best thing is not to fight it. Stay where you are and simply feel the panic without trying to distract yourself. Place the palm of your hand on your stomach and breathe slowly and deeply. The goal is to help the mind get used to coping with panic which takes the fear away.
Face your fears. Avoiding fears only makes them scarier, whatever your fear is if you face it, it should start to fade. For example, if you panic one day getting into a lift, it's best to get back into a lift the next day.
Don't try to be perfect. Life is full of stresses, yet many of us feel that our lives must be perfect. Bad days and setbacks always happens, and it's important to remember that life is messy.
Go back to the basics. Lots of people turn to alcohol or drugs to self-treat anxiety, but this will only make matters worse. Simple every day thing, like, a good night sleep, a wholesome meal, and a walk are often the best cure for anxiety.
Reward yourself. Give yourself a treat. Treat yourself to a massage, a walk, a good meal , a book, or whatever a little gift that makes you happy.
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