Can you overcome your fear and live life to its fullest?

Can you overcome your fear and live life to its fullest?

Surfers in California call sharks the grey suits, and they are always in the water.

“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.” – Bill Cosby

Most people are afraid of being attacked by a shark. But surfers, despite knowing that sharks are in the ocean when they're surfing, are willing to take a chance because their love of the sport overcomes their fear. Many surfers, even after being attacked, will still return to the water when their wounds heal and surf again.

There are many things people are afraid of. Losing your job, being alone in a dark alley at night, or the death of a loved one, these are all examples of what people think when you ask them what is their greatest fear.

 Fear seems understandable when you are faced with a real threat. But all fear is not the same. There is a difference. It is things we aren't willing to do that we should fear the most. The opportunities we don't take because of irrational fears. When you're always wanted to ride a burro down into the Grand Canyon and the ability presents itself. Why do you pass? Why do you fear it? It's on your bucket list.

Letting go of your fears allows you to do things and act in ways you would have never allowed yourself to do. Ask yourself what I have anyways wanted to try? Have you always wanted to fly a plane, go skydiving, or ride in a hot air balloon? These are just a few ideas that many people dismiss out of hand because of their fear.

Face your fears. Be yourself. Don’t worry what others think or do. We try to conform to society; pressures are intense to be like everyone else because that is what you feel like you are supposed to do. Yet going against your nature, trying to be something you're not you can actually have physical manifestations.

Living as though you have nothing to lose is the most freeing way to live your life. In the movie, "Yes Man", Jim Carey plays a character, who, because of a wish his son makes, has to say yes to everything he's asked to do. Despite the fear he feels, he does things he would have never done before if he hadn't fallen under the spell. He meets a girl, falls in love, has great adventures, and gets a job promotion. Not letting his fears rule him allows him life to live a richer and fuller life.

Many people miss out on opportunities to fall in love, because falling in love requires you to take a risk. Putting yourself out there and being vulnerable to having your heart broken. Don't be afraid to be yourself, to make new friends. Take a chance. You never know what will happen unless you open yourself up to new experiences.

They say the truth will set you free. I believe it is facing your fears and pushing through them that  will set you free, because only when we face our fears and overcome them are we ever truly free.