By Nancy Virden (c)2016

Shoulda-couldas and might-have-beens are poor fuel for courage. They can stir-up fear of another humiliation or regret. What if…? in its positive form, opens us to possibilities and options.

2. You Will Overcome Paralyzing Fear.  What if I survive?

Fight, flight, or freeze are three human responses to perceived threat. From drawing a blank when asked a question, to fear usurping our ability to function or think with reason, freezing is common.

Richard occasionally is overwhelmed with thoughts that his life may soon end.  He does not have a terminal illness.  His job is not dangerous.  There is no reason outside his obsessive fear to believe death is imminent.

These false premonitions derail his career because when his fear is strong he sees little purpose in hard work.  He figures it is pointless to push if he will not reap the benefits.

Recently, he began to wonder, what if I survive?  By challenging the assumption of an early demise, Richard is slowly overcoming defeatist behaviors.  He makes more contacts and sees financial improvement.  His struggle is ongoing, and by enlisting what if, he is shaking up his status quo. 

Fears may paralyze us, too.  We may believe we are too much or not enough for anyone to take us seriously.  We might fear rejection based on our qualifications or lack thereof. During quarantine many people feel isolated. Loneliness is easy to find when we are afraid to reach out.

What if you survive your worst fears? I have learned to question, what if I were to try what I have never before tried?  I have survived failure before, what if I can do that again?

The next blog will close out this series with part three: Hope Will Propel You Forward.  -Comments Always Welcome

Today’s Helpful Word

Psalm 27: 13-14

I remain confident of this:  I will see the goodness of the Lord  in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord;  be strong and take heart  and wait for the Lord.

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair.

NOTE: I am not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speak only from personal experiences and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

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