Respecting, But Managing Fear
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Wisdom from Elizabeth Gilbert
and Elaine Bailey-Anderson
At a time when our already hectic and stressful lives breed chronic anxiety about work and home, we are now facing new fears tied to the global pandemic of COVID-19.
Recently, one of my former coaches from Christine Kain's UpLevel coaching program offered her insight to managing fear. It was so great, I asked for permission to share it here.
From Elaine Bailey-Anderson, CoachBrilliant:
Whenever things get scary, or I get frightened I write a letter to my fear. Then I burn it to release my attachment to it. I learned this from Elizabeth Gilbert ❤️
She also suggests that if you are feeling extra fearful then give fear a chance to express itself first and be with it - Allow your fear to write a letter to YOU before you write one back.
Take a moment to surrender to your fear and ask it: “What are you actually terrified about, in this situation?"
Listen with respect to your response . . .
Let it speak. . . This will help you to find the real issue - let it pass through you and onto the letter and it will dissipate . . .
Then you can thank your fear, let it know that you’ve got it from here . . .
FEAR is not the truth . . . It can show you the way back to your truth if you allow yourself to be with it.
#youvegotthis
From Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
[Fear,] I recognize and respect that you are part of this family. And so I will never exclude you from our activities, but still -- your suggestions will NEVER be followed.
You're allowed to have a seat and you're allowed to have a voice, but you are not allowed to have a VOTE. You're not allowed to touch the road maps; you're not allowed to suggest detours; you're not allowed to fiddle with the temperature. Dude, you're not even allowed to touch the radio.
But, above all else, my dear old familiar friend, you are absolutely forbidden to drive.
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