We humans, when we are scared, we use the “fight, flight, or freeze” instinct. These instincts come to us when we are born. Another way our bodies help us survive is to learn how to face your fears. Our instincts and learning to handle our fears are both ways that we can survive this thing called life.
Our bodies respond instinctively to stressful situations by the “fight, flight, or freeze” instinct. In the text it states that if your body feels like it’s in danger, your first response might be fight. Your body might respond with flight if you're in danger. This is true because, when you are in the woods, you might encounter something that you might be afraid of, you might run, or flight. Another instinct is freeze. Your body might respond with freeze when you are in a tricky situation, encountering something you are afraid of. Picture this: you are camping and find a bear; you would freeze of how scared you are. You would be frozen in your spot until your brain clicks in and responds appropriately. These are your body’s way of protecting yourself.
One of the hardest things in life is to face your fears. This is true because, if you find are taking your dog outside, or just walking, you might encounter a spider or a snake. You will have to face your fears by walking by the snake or spider and not even bother it. Some people have a fear of flying. Picture this, you are required to fly in a plane to see your family, and you are scared but, once you go onto it you feel safe when you learn that airplanes are safer than cars. One way to help you overcome a fear is to learn about the fear. Once you learn that flying in a plane is actually safer than driving in a car, it may be easier to face that fear head-on. Once you learn that most spiders can’t hurt you, then spiders may not be that scary to you. The text states that you can also replace your fears with positive thoughts. Positivity is always a great mind-set. My fear is speaking in front of my peers. In the past, my teachers have presented for me. This year, my teacher, Mrs. Conrad encouraged me to face that fear. She coached me to practice what I was presenting, to be confident in my knowledge of the content, and to look the audience in the eyes. I was able to present (although I still didn’t like it). When my classmates gave me a round of applause, I was relieved it was done, but also proud that I faced that fear head on! Facing your fears may be difficult, but in the end it is worth it.
Everyone has a fear of something – from heights, to water, to flying, to snakes or insects. Learning to overcome those fears will bring your life more joy. Don’t forget that you also have the automatic instinct of your body to fight, flight, or freeze. After you get over the initial instinct, trust me, face those fears and you will feel much better.