Facing Fear and Taking Back Our Power

• Awakened Living

What is it that keeps us from living a fulfilled life and how do we measure what that means to us?

I believe fear is the number-one culprit that keeps us prisoner in our own lives. When we step out of fear (namely our comfort zone), we become more available to fully embrace what living life to the fullest really means.

Is it enough for you to get up every day and repeat the same, mundane patterns of your life? Or, will you take a chance and allow yourself to be more aware of the possibility of finding joy in the smallest of places? When we step away from fear and become aware, we are no longer prisoners of ego, anger, judgment, hurt, and anxiety.

You can make a conscious effort to become aware of fear, deciding not to let it weave its toxic web around you. This is the first step in awakening to the possibilities of excess joy and laughter.

I personally refuse to let fear control my decisions. I wasn't always that way. Struggling with an anxiety disorder most of my life, I felt imprisoned by fear and low self-esteem. Panic attacks came often, leaving me shriveled in the corner of a room, sweating and shaking. I was once told by a Native American shaman that my anxiety was built-up spiritual energy I didn’t know what to do with.

People often tell me, "You’re always so positive and happy. I wish I could be more like you."

I tell them, “Don't wait for someone else to bring you flowers; plant your own garden; spruce up your own soul!”

It took me work over the years to learn to be happy and positive. First, I had to take control of my often unfounded fears. I took back my power. I look at every day as an opportunity to grow and continue working on myself. The real battles we face are inside us. Be your own advocate. 

Find out about upcoming programs with Maureen Hancock at Kripalu.

Excerpted from The Medium Next Door: Adventures of a Real-Life Ghost Whisperer, © 2011, by Maureen Hancock.