FEAR – Face Everything And Rise!
by Keryn Young
Sitting here contemplating this word (and all that it entails)….. for me, fear has been built up over time through my life’s journey, particularly when I have experienced significant losses, death of my son, relationships, marriages, deaths of loved ones, workplaces…. no two ever being alike.
I have shared (albeit it briefly), where fear originates and its possible triggers. This blog, I felt the need to share one way in which fear can be used for positive outcomes. A way to propel ourselves forward, build a new internal blueprint of responding. Life is short, we only live once #YOLO.
I decided on one specific topic to talk to – why? For me, this has challenged me the most. It is also the one that has had the most positive and profound impact.
How to confront my fear of saying NO
A classic people pleaser starting off in life, it has been a mission to change this pattern of behaviour. Trust me when I say it’s so worth the mahi (work). Learning how to say NO has been a mammoth game changer. One that has empowered me and helped me to establish healthy boundaries (a whole different story).
Here are a few ways to help you navigate using your fear of saying no:
1. Recognize and acknowledge your fear: Understand that fear is a natural response when it comes to asserting yourself and setting boundaries. Recognizing and acknowledging your fear is the first step in working through it.
2. Identify the underlying reasons for your fear: Reflect on why saying no triggers fear in you. Is it the fear of disappointing others, being rejected, or facing conflict? Understanding the root causes of your fear can help you address them more effectively.
3. Validate your feelings and needs: Remind yourself that your feelings and needs are valid and deserve to be respected. Recognize that saying no is an essential part of self-care and maintaining your well-being.
4. Practice self-compassion and self-confidence: Cultivate self-compassion by treating yourself with kindness and understanding as you face your fear. Build self-confidence by reminding yourself of your worth and the value of your boundaries.
5. Prepare and plan ahead: If the situation allows, anticipate potential scenarios where you might need to say no. Prepare some assertive and respectful responses in advance to help you navigate the conversation with confidence.
6. Use “I” statements: When saying no, use “I” statements to express your perspective and feelings without blaming or accusing others. For example, say, “I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to take on this additional task at the moment. I need to prioritize my current workload.”
7. Seek support if needed: If your fear of saying no is deeply ingrained or tied to past experiences, consider seeking support from a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. They can provide guidance, encouragement, and help you work through any underlying issues.
8. Reflect on your successes: After successfully saying no, take time to reflect on the positive outcomes and the sense of empowerment it brought you. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small, and use them as motivation to continue asserting yourself in the future.When starting something, remember it’s okay to feel fear when saying no. It should not prevent you from setting boundaries and prioritizing your well-being. Given practice and self-compassion you can use your fear as a catalyst to assert yourself and communicate your needs confidently.
What pathway will you take to Face Everything and Rise?
Keryn is a compassionate and insightful life coach and healer who has dedicated her life to helping others unlock their full potential and live their best lives. With a background in holistic healing practices and a keen understanding of personal psychology, Keryn has honed her skills over the years to provide personalized guidance to each of her clients. Through a combination of intuitive coaching, energy healing, and practical tools for personal growth, Keryn helps individuals identify their limiting beliefs, overcome their fears, and step into their power. She has a special talent for guiding her clients to discover their true purpose and aligning their lives with their values and passions. Keryn’s approach is gentle yet effective, and she is committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental space for her clients to explore their innermost thoughts and emotions. Her clients leave feeling empowered, inspired, and equipped with the tools they need to create a fulfilling and purposeful life.
You can connect with her at:
https://www.facebook.com/beauthenticmentoring
