Fear. An emotion that everybody feels at certain times in their life and one that I am constantly being stuck in. Over time, it’s something that I have been able to turn around, enabling my life to gain positivity.

I have never really expressed this to anyone, but I thought what better way than to express it on here, in a form where I can hopefully help someone that unfortunately may be feeling the same way as myself.

And no, I’m not trying to create a sob story about my life because it’s far from that. I have been blessed with wonderful parents and an incredible family and friends. I’m constantly surrounded by people who support me, who I am extremely grateful for. I am in no way complaining about my life, as it is one that I love living and one that I will continue to live to the fullest, reaching to achieve the goals that I have set for myself.

Recently, I feel as though I am being given bad news every time I turn a corner (okay that may be an exaggeration, but that’s what it feels like). It’s unfortunate for me; being such a positive person, that that positivity is ultimately being clouded by the automatic thoughts being initiated by fear.

No, it’s not a fear of spiders, clowns, or heights. It’s the debilitating fear of failure, fear of loss, fear of change and even fear of the unknown. Almost as though anxiety has swallowed me up and has blurred my vision for the great things that are coming my way.

I can’t tell you how many times the phone rings and my heart sinks in my chest because my mind automatically goes to the thought of someone calling to give my family bad news. The laying in bed at night, thinking about what could possibly happen to people I love, or not knowing what I want to do with my life, in addition to the negative thoughts about what my future may bring. Fear is something that returns to my thoughts far too often. Something that I know is irrational, with all the great things that I have been blessed with in my life. It’s a flaw of mine, but I have realized that it has become a blessing in disguise.

Fear is viewed as a weakness to most, when in actuality, it’s one of the best self-perseverance methods we have. If you can change the way you think of fear, I think you can truly change your life. Too often we allow fear, worry and doubt rob the hope and positivity out of our lives, allowing it to dominate and define us. Thoughts on how to become a better me have started taking fears place, allowing myself to live a life full of hope. I have found multiple ways to allow fear to motivate and push me as an individual and I hope it helps anyone that feels the way I have.

1. Let go of the existing fears that you know are irrational.

Stop letting something you know is ultimately not going to happen scare you. The unnecessary fears are only going to be an obstacle in your life, so get rid of them.

2. Have love for yourself.

Being able to love yourself first and foremost leads to positive self- esteem and confidence that will assist in the process of overcoming your fears, giving you the courage to live the life you truly want.

3. Embrace and love your life.

Being able to achieve this is crucial. If you are able to genuinely love your life, you are going to be more willing to do things that will make you happy. Being able to embrace life will open doors for your future.

4. Trust yourself.

If you don’t trust yourself and the goals you can achieve, they’ll never be accomplished. Know that anything you believe in can ultimately be obtained; you just have to trust that you have the abilities to fulfill a happy life.

5. Stop worrying and start living.

Last, you need to distract yourself when the fear returns, remind yourself that the anxiety is only temporary. Quit worrying about the little things that won't matter in the long run. Leave the fear behind and start living, give it your best and live your life to the fullest. I promise it will be much better to live your life fearlessly than to live it in fear.

“When you remember your purpose, you forget all your fear.” – Robert Herjavec