First, fear in
small amounts is useful because it helps us to avoid dangerous situations. The
problem with experiencing fear over an extended period of time is that it
weakens our immune systems making us more vulnerable to disease and injury.
This occurs because our bodies, during times of stress, release a substance
called Cortisol that causes damage when present for long periods of time. To
break this pattern, do something where you become totally relaxed and your mind
is off of what's happening on the news. For example, take a long luxurious
bath, have a massage, or go see an old movie that makes you laugh or cry—either
way you're counteracting the harmful effects of Cortisol. Are you spending time worrying about a Swine flu pandemic? If so, it may
be useful to recall the events of September 11, 2001. While it's smart to take
precautions, today's post provides a a slightly different perspective that may
help you get back on track.
More importantly, fear can paralyze us preventing us from taking action. Even the bravest of the brave has fear—the challenge is do you let it stop you or do you use it to move ahead?
If you're being stopped by the constant onslaught of bad economic news over the last few months or the headlines warning of a swine flu pandemic, consider the following facts about what happened on 9/11. Of the 50,000 people who worked in the World Trade Center, 45,000 survived. In other words, even if you were in the targeted buildings, your chance of survival was 95%.
Of the thousands of commercial flights that take off each day, only four were successfully hi-jacked on September 11. You're more likely to be struck by lightning than to be a passenger on a plane that crashes or is hijacked.
Have you been vaccinated for chicken pox, small pox, Hepatitis A and B? You're much more likely to die from complications from these diseases than you are to come in contact with Swine flu, at least at this time.
Do you smoke? Do you take Aspirin? Do you drive? Are you overweight? Do you drink lots of caffeine or eat foods that contribute to heart disease? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you are managing your fear because you still are engaging in these activities.
A very dear friend of mine used to say, "Pray for sunshine, prepare for rain." Now is the time to take precautions for your health and your family. Stock up on enough food, water, and any medications that you may need so you have a 30 day supply. This is just good disaster planning. Today, for example, a tornado touched down here in Austin. There has been flooding throughout the area as well. We never know when something may hit. The idea is to plan for it and be prepared. If you don't end up using all the supplies, donate them to a local food bank.
The Law of Attraction says that we create our own reality. Another way of saying this is that what you focus on is what will show up in your life. For example, if you are focused on all the evil in the world, that's what you will experience. If you focus on what is good, that's what you will experience. Your brain filters millions of events everyday. Where you place your concentration determines the quality of what you will experience.
Very simply, the world is a treacherous place. In general, people who are happy and who laugh often seldom become ill. You can choose to focus on what can go wrong or you can approach your life by being thankful for all that is right.
Posted by Bernice Ross--Do you need help with a challenge that you are facing? If so, please email me at [email protected] for a complimentary interview with one of our great team of coaches who can help you create the business and the personal life of your dreams.
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