How to Work Through Your Fears & the What-Ifs

You know what? I used to have fear surrounding EVERYTHING!

Driving in cars

Going to stores/restaurants/bars

Being by myself

Being in crowds

Social situations

Death

Making decisions

Going on trips

Going to work and school

Experiencing a panic attack in public

Having to go to the bathroom and not having a bathroom be accessible

Trying new things

Honestly, the thought of leaving my own home caused anxiety and panic. And that’s exactly it… The THOUGHT of leaving my own home… You are the creator of your thoughts, right? Right!

I would wake up every day anticipating how much anxiety and panic I would experience and guess what! Anxiety and panic is what I would live, day in and day out.

I was manifesting my reality. I was causing my days to be full of anxiety and panic.

And what sucked the most was that I knew that I was what was stopping me from living a life of peace and joy. I knew that I had to change my thoughts. I knew that I had to start pushing myself forward.

But I was tired. I was empty. I was frustrated and angry. I felt hopeless. I was in pain.

People say that anxiety can’t hurt you, but it does. It deprives you of your life, and causes so many symptoms (mental and emotional) that make you feel like there is something truly wrong with you.

BUT, you can stop anxiety from hurting you. You are in control. You are always in control.

You have to work to rewire your brain. Right now, it’s on autopilot. When you feel uncomfortable, scared, anxious, even excited, your brain has been trained to go straight to those unproductive, unhealthy, and negative thoughts that ultimately lead to anxiety and panic.

Thoughts like:

What if I die?

I’m going to pass out.

There is definitely something wrong with me.

I can’t do this.

I’m not in control.

I’m going to freak out.

People are going to think I’m crazy if I just leave.

Why can’t I just stop this from happening?

I’m never going to get better.

What if I get sick in front of all of these people, or have a panic attack?

What if I get into a car accident?

Do any of these thoughts sound familiar to you?

Here’s what I want you to do!

Step 1: Acknowledge the unproductive, unhealthy, and negative thoughts that you are having.

Step 2: Ask yourself these questions:

Has it happened before? If it has, ask yourself, have I always successfully worked through it? If it’s never happened before, what is the likelihood of it happening (spoiler alert, it’s likely never gonna happen!)? Is this thought true?

Step 3: Start positive self-talk (saying positive messages to yourself to help reinforce your capabilities and power)

Let me give you a couple of examples!

What if I die?

I’m feeling scared and anxious.

Have I died before? Nope! What is the likelihood of me dying? Well, it’ll happen at some point, but it’s not happening right now. I’ve never died from anxiety and panic.

I will work through this successfully. I am in control. Right now I am okay. I’m safe. I am capable. I choose to live in the present moment.

What if I get sick in front of all of these people, or have a panic attack?

I’m feeling worried, anxious, and sick.

Have I gotten sick in front of people before? Yes, but I made it through it. It was a little embarrassing, but that’s all. What is the likelihood of me getting sick in front of a bunch of people or having a panic attack? It’s happened a handful of times, but people were supportive and tried to help.

I am in control. I can change my thoughts so that they don’t continue to make me feel more and more sick. I am strong. I will successfully work through this quickly.

You need to start challenging your thoughts!

You need to face the realities of your fears and the what-ifs. Typically, our thoughts and fears have never actually happened. And if they have, we’ve always successfully worked through them. You’ve ALWAYS successfully worked through every anxious and panicky moment.

And you are so powerful. Your brain is so powerful. Your brain will believe whatever you tell it and convince it of. Make sure to challenge your thoughts, work to change your thinking, and use positive self-talk. All of these things will help to rewire your brain and eliminate the what-ifs and fears.

You are capable! Keep pushing yourself forward!