Do Not Be Afraid

When I hear those words, I am instantly comforted and have a strong sense of protection. I breathe a sigh of relief, knowing I have an ally in my struggle against fear.

I have a long history with fear. It has plagued me my entire life. It began when I was very young. I couldn’t find peaceful sleep because of my fear of the dark. I battled fear of abandonment and fear of death after my sister died when I was seven years old. I did not know how to process my feelings and grief and started down a path of self protection. I faced the fear of life long infertility. I later fought fear of rejection and betrayal after a divorce. I then wondered if my future was secure because of my fear of the unknown. One fear turned into another fear, until I had a plethora of fears. Then the fear introduced me to its’ companions: doubt, worry, insecurity and anxiety.