Fear

Hello. Have you ever felt your heart start to beat really fast, like a drum inside your chest? Or maybe your palms got a little sweaty right before you had to do something new or scary. That's me. I am Fear. Many people think I'm a monster or something to run away from, but I'm not. I'm actually a feeling that's here to protect you. I visit everyone, and I remember a time I visited a boy named Leo. It was only the second day of school, and his teacher asked everyone to stand up and share a story with the whole class. As soon as it was his turn, I showed up. I made his stomach do flip-flops, and when he tried to speak, his voice felt all shaky and small. He wanted to sit back down, but I was there, telling him that this moment felt big and important.

Leo learned how to handle my presence, and it wasn't by making me disappear. Instead of letting me take over completely, his teacher noticed he was struggling. She quietly reminded him to take a few deep breaths, just like they had practiced. He breathed in slowly, and then he let the air out. This didn't make me go away entirely, but it felt like I became smaller and quieter. It was enough for Leo to think clearly again. He realized that I wasn't there to stop him. I was just pointing out that sharing his story was important to him and that he cared about what his classmates thought. He learned that by listening to me, he could turn my energy into focus. I still show up all the time, for Leo and for everyone else. I'm there when someone tries a new sport and worries about falling. I'm there when someone wants to make a new friend but doesn't know what to say. I even show up when people stand up for what is right, because that can be scary, too. I'm a part of what helps people be brave and careful. I help them stay safe and grow stronger every single day. By understanding me, you learn how to be courageous.