I've heard it said that fear does not exist outside of our own minds. It's a byproduct of our thoughts and emotions, but not an actual thing. It is no more real than the Easter Bunny.
Of course, DANGER is real. Nothing wrong with being prepared for the worst. I'm talking about fear though, especially the kind of fear that still lingers and nags at us long after our rational mind has tried to talk us out of it. It's not a real thing...but why does it seem so important and real?
Why do we spend so much time living our lives around fear, and making ourselves miserable with the imaginary? Is it necessary for our survival? Is it the dark side of "happy imaginings?" Can we simply choose to be unafraid, any more than we can choose to be happy? Is fear our default mode?
I'm just sort of thinking out loud here. I figure Stephen King fans know more about fear than most! I'd love to hear your thoughts on fear, if you've struggled with anxiety as I have, or anything else on this topic.
Of course, DANGER is real. Nothing wrong with being prepared for the worst. I'm talking about fear though, especially the kind of fear that still lingers and nags at us long after our rational mind has tried to talk us out of it. It's not a real thing...but why does it seem so important and real?
Why do we spend so much time living our lives around fear, and making ourselves miserable with the imaginary? Is it necessary for our survival? Is it the dark side of "happy imaginings?" Can we simply choose to be unafraid, any more than we can choose to be happy? Is fear our default mode?
I'm just sort of thinking out loud here. I figure Stephen King fans know more about fear than most! I'd love to hear your thoughts on fear, if you've struggled with anxiety as I have, or anything else on this topic.