The Opposite of Fear

Good is the opposite of bad. Rich is the opposite of poor. Pleasure is the opposite of pain. Joy is the opposite of sorrow. Excitement is the opposite of boredom. I think we can all agree on those. But what about fear, what is the opposite of fear? It’s not confidence, because elite soldiers or extreme athletes exude confidence even in the midst of fear. What if the opposite of fear is simply relief?

The opposite of fear is certainly not joy or fulfilment. It’s not pleasure or love. It’s not excitement or jubilation. At best, if you are to run away from fear, the best case scenario is probably relief. Feelings of regret, uncertainty and confusion are all likely outcomes as well. And even if you manage to find relief, that sensation is most likely temporary.

However, the gifts often lie just on the other side of fear if we are willing to face it and overcome the temptation to flee. Joy and fulfillment, confidence and clarity, even triumph, these are spoils when we engage our fear rather than run from it. Relief is short lived, but regret lasts a lifetime. March forward into fear.

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