Things That Scare Don’t Have To Scar

Boo! There are many things that frighten us. They can be real or imagined. Having a limited perception is part of being human. Our understanding is based on input from our five senses. Our minds collect data and send messages to our “flight, fight or freeze” response system help keep us safe. Sometimes we need additional information to help us decide if we are in real or perceived danger. What we believe about an event contributes to our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Here is a poem I wrote about fear.

If I fear for my safety,

Then I can leave and tell someone who can help me create a safety plan.

If I am anxious about a mistake,

Then I can apologize, list my strengths and learn from it.

If I am haunted by my past,

Then I can celebrate the power of forgiveness and make better choices.

I if dread loneliness or fear rejection,

Then I can embrace time of rest, play happy music and call a friend.

If I am spooked by something someone said,

Then I can hold steady, explore the facts and seek wise counsel.

If I am apprehensive due to financial problems,

Then I can focus on my blessings, revise my budget and distinguish between wants and needs.

If I am scared about a sickness or disease,

Then I can get pray, get educated, follow my treatment plan and take one day at a time.

If I am nervous about social interaction,

Then I can balance ‘me time’ with my need for meaningful connection.

If I am afraid but know there is no real danger,

Then I can do the next menial task at hand until that feeling leaves.

If I am troubled by the unwise choices of my loved one,

Then I can pray and speak the truth in love.

If I am terrified by the news in our changing world,

Then I can remember there have always been wars, storms and political upheavals.

If I am in fear and trepidation of an unknown future,

Then I can remember to take one day at a time because I do not control the future.

If I am tormented by the fear of death,

I can remember that death is part of life; it is a process as well as an event for all living things.

Our unchanging God who loves us says, “Fear not, I will never forsake you.”

“Twas grace that taught my heart to fear (reverence) and grace my fears (anxiety) relieved.”

There is a difference between the fear that takes control and the fear that increases wisdom.

*Poem by Beth Holloway, MA, LPC

Author: Beth Holloway, MA, LPC for Miller Counseling Services, PC

Beth Holloway, MA, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has more than 12 years’ experience in the mental health field. She has recently joined the Miller Counseling Services team and specializes in counseling individuals and couples who have experienced all types of losses including abuse, domestic strife, and trauma. She enjoys leading group therapy classes in the areas of Divorce Recovery, Spiritual Enrichment, Couples and Parent/Child Relationships, Grief Processing and Depression Recovery. Beth has had the privilege of traveling all over the United States and to more than 10 foreign countries and has been enriched by learning about people from diverse cultures and ethnic groups.