How do you deal with and conquer your own fears?

[coloradodem2005]

I realize for a long time that I have been paralyzed by my fear and it has kept me from doing anything and getting anything I want. I can't live the way that I have lived. I don't want to anymore. But my own fear has held me back. This needs to end. Now today. I don't want to run and hide anymore, from getting out and being an adult, from any woman I may like. No more.

[ForrestGump]

1. Liddy tied himself to a tree during a lightning storm

Not sure I'd recommend that.

I'd suggest perhaps the "baby steps" approach highlighted in the film What About Bob?. Change things in small ways and focus on one task (including those so mundane as to not be considered by you 'tasks') at a time until the whole is achieved.

As for interpersonal stuff, realizing that you're unlikely to ever again meet most people who might witness your less-than-suave moments (obviously this only applies if you're in a largish metropolitan area or out of town) can help. If we only get one run-through, you might as well be the star of your own life.

[coloradodem2005]

2. Makes sense.

[Deja Q]

3. Do what it takes to feel better. We all die at some point.

Living in fear is a state worse than death.

Peak oil, corporate greed, you name it. There is no future, no matter how they try to stigmatize it against us.

The clock is ticking. Just plan for a painless end, the materials and research are out there, and keep it in store for when the day comes.

Until then, party like it's 1999.

[coloradodem2005]

5. I hope the party is good and long.

[WCGreen]

4. Dude, all she can say is no..........

Just ask. They ain't gonna report you to the anti defamation league or anything.....

But no stalking. Promise me you won't stalk.....

That makes women really really mad.....

Not that I am talking from experience but I had this friend....

Seriously, just take your time. Get to know someone and then, just ask them out for coffee or lunch or to take a walk in the park....

And just be yourself.....

[coloradodem2005]

6. I hear you.

[Greyhound]

7. For myself, it was very nearly dying when I was 12

I'll spare you the details, but I knew with absolute certainty that my time was up. Well, obviously The Goddess, Fate, or luck was on my side and I came through it. Since then I've viewed my life as a bonus, and learned to enjoy every minute as much as possible. It also makes me a bad employee, because I know life is short, and I refuse to waste any of mine doing things that others tell me I have to because they say so. Really? Well fuck you. Now who's going to do it. You? Didn't think so. It was really important wasn't it?

A great friend of mine ('Nam vet) put it this way, "I have clothes to wear, food to eat, a dry place to sleep, and nobody's trying to kill me. Life is good".

Don't sweat the small stuff. Worrying never helps and frequently hurts.
:party:

[CJCRANE]

8. Watch a few romantic comedies

to cheer yourself up (and maybe take in a few good ideas without realising it). I hear "Hitch" is good. I liked "Swingers" too.

[AlienGirl]

9. The first step is getting to know the thing that scares you most...

Learn everything you can about it. If it's a situation you're scared of--like, say, driving on the Interstate--read fictional accounts about people who've taken long solo roadtrips and had a good time. If you're scared of women you find attractive, approach them in a friendly way and learn about them as people the same way you would with any potential friend--without concerning yourself with whether you're impressing them or not. Familiarity is the antidote to fear.

Tucker (who has driven across the country solo, up mountains and over bridges, despite phobias of driving and heights)

[bicentennial_baby]

10. fear is an illusion, as is pain

you're just one aspect of the universe, intimately connected to the energy that is life...live it, do it, just be. :)