Feel the fear & do it anyway.

I actually have a book entitled this. Great book. It's also a popular saying I've heard many motivational speakers use. But I think it struck me in an entirely new way this morning.
I was visiting this morning with my core group of girlfriends and was sharing how one of our beloved chicks was facing a doctor's appointment this morning with a lot of dread and anxiety concerning her health condition and having more tests. I called her last night to check in and prayed for her. She was trying so hard not to be afraid. She felt so bad she was in fear. Oftentimes the fear of the fear and the shame associated with having it (we're supposed to be all faith filled and positive, right?) causes it to grow and get more locked in.
On the heels of Easter (being yesterday - in Canada today is Easter Monday) - we think of Christ being raised from the dead. But what about when Jesus knew his time on earth was coming to an end and he had to face the cross? He asked God to not have to face it - he was so emotionally stressed his body sweat blood.
Fear is an emotion - probably one we hate ... and fear... the most. But it's part of how we're made. If we can accept the fact that we'll have fear - even if it seems inappropriate - or even misplaced (sometimes the symptoms of a panic attack come long after the onset or reason for the fear experience) - it often resolves on its own. The body mind connection will have to process it somehow. Give yourself grace and love yourself. Talk to yourself like you are your own best friend. Show compassion and tell yourself it's okay to feel like a big baby now and then. It's amazing how treating yourself this way will allow for the fear experience to lessen and perhaps resolve. But if you have to face something - know that you are not alone - allow for the strength of others to help you along. You will do great!