Fear is a powerful emotion, but love is even stronger!
While everyone has something they’re afraid of, the novel coronavirus pandemic has plunged the world into an especially uncertain time. We’re all worried about the future and the well-being of ourselves and those who are closest to us. But as writer Arthur Brooks points out, choosing love is the best way to conquer our fears.
As the author of a happiness-centric column called “How to Build a Life” and the host of “The Art of Happiness With Arthur Brooks” podcast, Arthur knows a thing or two about finding joy in everyday circumstances.
In one of his latest columns for The Atlantic, he shared some simple yet meaningful ways we can fight fear with love.
His first piece of advice? Share your worries with a friend or family member. Not only will you unburden yourself, but you will also develop a closer bond with them!
Coping with anxiety can be especially difficult without someone to lean on. That’s why it’s so important to surround ourselves with supportive people, even when we can’t be together physically.
We can practice that by opening ourselves up to others, even when there’s a possibility of rejection. Now’s the time to pick up the phone and call that neighbor we’ve been missing!
Another way to make ourselves more vulnerable to others (and more open to deep connection) is by committing to say “I love you” more often.
This doesn’t just apply to our relatives! If there’s someone you’ve never expressed your affection to, whether it’s romantic or otherwise, be brave and take a chance! Express how you feel about your crush or partner or share your admiration with someone you look up to.
No matter how they react, facing our fears is empowering! Not to mention, it boosts our confidence!
Last but certainly not least, Arthur is encouraging everyone to express care and kindness… to the people we don’t get along with.
Make an effort to agree to disagree and try to understand their point of view. While it’s never easy, it is a great way to tear down walls and find common ground!
We can all benefit from following this wise advice! Thank you, Arthur, for showing us how to change our mindsets to become braver, more loving versions of ourselves.
Share this valuable message with everyone in your life.
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