How to Choose Faith Over Fear: 4 Powerful Tips for Staying Calm in Chaotic Situations
Many years ago, I learned a life lesson that changed my perspective forever—one that’s proven valuable in many situations since then. And that has helped me choose faith over fear.
Picture this: It’s a beautiful summer day, and MaryBeth and I were watching our friend’s toddler play in a kiddie pool. At one point, they tripped and fell in. We quickly helped them up and stayed calm and cool. Although shocked, the kiddo immediately recovered and returned to playing.
A little while later, her mom joined us, and her child fell in again. This time, her mom grabbed them and started freaking out—and so did the child! They began screaming and crying, completely distraught – mirroring their mom.
But here’s the thing: the child was physically fine in both situations. So why was one response chill and the other total chaos?
Because she picked up on the energy of those around her.
I always see this energy exchange now that I’m a horse parent. 🐴 My boys, Norby and Ollie, are incredibly sensitive and react to even the slightest things that could make them spook. When I’m calm, they’re calm. But when I’m scared? You guessed it—they sense it and get scared too. And when it’s 1,000+ pounds of scared energy next to you, it can be legitimately dangerous.
It’s quite the mindfulness practice! And it’s taught me this:
Your energy influences everything and everyone around you. The energy you put into the world is the energy you get back. So, why not choose faith over fear?
My mentor, don Miguel Ruiz, says that faith is believing in something 100% without doubt. Fear, on the other hand, is full of doubts—the “what ifs” that swirl in your mind. Like when I take Norby or Ollie out, I used to think, “What if they get spooked and run off and drag me?” This has never happened, but my fear was always there.
Here’s the truth: it’s normal to feel fear. But the key is how you handle it. You don’t need to banish fear—you need to choose faith over it. Faith that everything is going to be alright instead of everything is going to go wrong.
So, how can you choose faith over fear? Let me share some tips that have worked wonders for me.
🌱 1. Get Clear on Your Intention
If you want to choose faith over fear, you must first get clear on what you want and how you want to feel—this is your intention. Fear often creeps in when you’re unsure or second-guessing yourself. Having a clear intention acts as your compass in moments of uncertainty.
🔹Example: Let’s say you’re about to have a difficult conversation with a colleague or client. Your intention might be to stay calm and communicate clearly. When doubts pop up, remind yourself: “My intention is to stay calm and communicate clearly so that we can have a positive resolution.”
🌸 2. Use an Affirmation to Ground Yourself
When fear starts whispering those doubts in your mind, using an affirmation can help ground you and shift your mindset. Affirmations are simple, powerful statements that remind you of your strength and capability. This is especially helpful when anxiety or fear makes you feel out of control. My favorite lately is “I am an island of peace.” Repeating this during stressful moments can anchor and keep you focused on your inner calm.
🔹Example: Before a difficult conversation, repeat, “I am an island of peace.” You’ll be amazed at how it shifts your mindset, helping you focus on what truly matters.
💪 3. Remember to Breathe
I love the saying, “Anxiety is excitement without breath.” When you’re scared or overwhelmed, your natural reaction is to hold your breath, which only makes the situation feel more intense. Breathing is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools for releasing tension and returning to a state of calm. When I notice my horses getting spooked, I often unintentionally hold my breath. It’s only when I take a big exhale that they and I start to relax.
🔹Example: When you’re feeling overwhelmed at work, invest a moment to step away, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Exhale the stress, and you’ll notice how much clearer and more centered you feel.
💃 4. Shake It Out
Ever heard the phrase, “We hold issues in our tissues”? It means that tension and fear can build up in your body, causing you to freeze or feel stiff and tense. My horses have taught me the importance of shaking out this energy. After a scare, they often give a big sigh and shake their bodies, releasing that built-up tension. You can do the same! When fear takes hold, a little movement can go a long way in resetting your energy.
🔹Example: If you are about to give a big presentation and you start feeling anxious, stand up and shake your arms and legs. Letting go of that built-up tension can leave you feeling loose and relaxed.
Fear is a part of life, whether we like it or not. But the beautiful thing is that you have the power to choose how you respond. By choosing faith over fear, you not only change your world, but you change the energy of everyone around you.
So, the next time fear creeps in, remember that you are an island of peace and your energy matters.
Values-Driven Boundaries: How to Confidently Say Yes to
What Lights You Up and No to What Burns You Out
Give yourself full permission to be human as you rewire yourself to understand that setting boundaries is an act of self-care, not selfishness. No judgment, guilt, or worry about other people’s opinions is required.
Join us for a FREE Workshop on Thursday, Oct 17th at 12:30 p.m. EST to celebrate World Values Day!
In this workshop to…
- Understand how your core values drive your decisions and behavior. ✨🔍
- Recognize common roadblocks to setting boundaries. 🚧🔗
- Learn practical techniques to set and maintain boundaries that support your well-being.🔧💡
- Give yourself permission to embrace this self-care process—you deserve it! 💖
