Actions in Opposition to Fear

Write Club Prompt #48

I’m not sure how to connect with this prompt. Right now my fears all seem to be connected with things that are out of my control. I guess that means I’ve learned how to handle fear pretty well over these past few years. I’ll credit having to deal with a chronic illness for that.

When it comes to managing a chronic disease there really is no place for fear. The future can seem scary but to hold off on action out of fear just makes things worse. There are always assesments to be made and a lot of trade offs. The thing to realize is nothing is going to just get better unless something is done. It is important to come to terms with making decisions under uncertainty. Looking back on the pandemic I think this is one skill most people are lacking. Most people don’t even realize it is a skill.

To make a decision under uncertainty means to accept that there is no way to know the right answer. All solutions may be bad in their own way. It is to play the game in a lose mitigation zone. This can be anxiety inducing and scary. For many people they will simply create a fantasy to live in. You will always encounter tradeoffs in life. It is important not to bullshit yourself about them.

I guess my action in opposition to fear is to make sure I am never bullshitting myself.