The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Mastering thoughts and feelings
Whenever we stop to look fear in the face, we can gain strength and courage and grow in confidence. Why is this? Does fear ever open the door to victory and success in any phase of life? Why not?

How do we take command of the situation? We take command when we realise that we have the power to master our own thoughts and feelings, when we learn that we can find answers and new opportunities, and that we are in control. We were not born to fail; we were born to succeed. The secret of success is to drop the negatives and the excuses.

We can make up our minds not to be disturbed or distressed by things happening around us. As we learn to control our emotions, we become centres of helpfulness, thanksgiving, and greater strength. When we know the source of our good and pause daily to connect with that source, there is no opportunity for thoughts of doubt and fear to become active in our lives..

Grasping the nettle
A boy was stung by a nettle. He ran home to his mother crying, 'although it hurts me very much, I only touched it gently.' His wise mother said, 'that's why it stung you. Next time, grasp the nettle with all your might, and it will be as soft as silk in your hand and will not hurt you.' So the boy learned that whatever he did, he should do it with all his might. This story is from Aesop's fables - Max Syed Tolland, Kirkcudbright High School, S1