I’d say what’s on my mind without worrying if others would like me. I’d confront others more of what I believe is right. I’d sing in front of others and enjoy expressing myself for who I am.
God only knows… certainly happier. This series of 3 videos was absolutely amazing and powerful. My biggest issue in life is clutter… and I know it’s the manifestation of many fears I have. I use my clutter as protection from facing/dealing with them. Is there any way that I can purchase and/or be given the links to these 3 videos so I can watch them in the future? I feel they would be *such* a source of strength and inspiration for me! I would love to be contacted about this request. Thanks :>)
I would be very, very happy in my heart, relaxed and calm in my body. I would be able to do the things I always wanted to do, like being assertive and dignified; strike friendships with people I look up to and just enjoy life.
Who would I be without fear – I’d continue on to be that fearless achiever, not bothered by success or failure but just doing things to experience life.
I have been battling chronic anxiety for a few months now, not only in my mind but in my body doesn’t rest from the constant stress response, which, sometimes lasts for the whole day but Just by thinking “who would I be if I didn’t believe there was something wrong with me” I was able to ease that feeling, it is such a powerful reflection. Thanks for sharing this knowledge
I would be me, authentically me, for the first time since I was a very young child. I’d love to learn who that person is! The one that isn’t constantly on guard, masking herself to never show any weakness or fault. It’s exhausting. Imagine the energy I would have!
This 4 part program is a gift! I see that it is going off line tonight and I wish there was some way I would be able to have it to refer to again and again. It is so powerful and such an important explanation of how fear controls us, and how we can get to control it instead. Please let me know how I can get a copy of this video or recording.
Thanks very much for offering it freely in the first place.
I really like the simple mantra “true, but not real”. Saying it’s true doesn’t discount one’s thoughts but saying “not real” helps reveal the insubstantiability and emptiness of those thoughts, making it easier to let them go..but you already know this, lol.
Thank you for your sharing your practice.
Great question – will be a helpful tool to use with clients. To answer the question hopeful, compassionate, accepting of myself and others as we approach our dreams.
I like the concept that fear is a healthy biological trigger. like a service dog that approaches a stranger for help. An opportunity to mindfully access whether flight or fight is an appropriate response. Something to be thankful for.
I would be fearless, I wouldn’t hold myself back, I wouldn’t be self critical and scare myself to death, and lose my self confidence and feel like an imposter. I would have pursued my love for coding qualitative research and contributed to the knowledge base of professionals and the average person just like many successful professionals. I agree that my fear has held me back and eventually I lost trust in my abilities. Without fear, I would have worked with my vulnerabilities and moved mountains.
If I didn’t believe that there was something wrong with me, I will express my creativity and share it with others. I will explore my interests and go out to nature not thinking “what if” which then it usually stops myself from doing it and finding reasons as to why is important that I don’t engage in such activity. If I didn’t believe that there was something wrong with me, I will have more friends and stay in touch even when we no longer live in the same town.
A « being » able to be in flow and operate from a place of kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. instead of a person hijacked into doing: to protect, to stay safe, to control, to keep the system safe (falsely).
Helpful suggestion to ask myself, “Who would I be if . . . ?” The example of the boy who turned around and faced the monster in his nightmares is a useful visual..
Totally free to access my full potential because I wouldn’t get in my way. But, also, without fear, I might get into troubling situations because I wouldn’t have the response that alerts me to immediate threat.
Without fear I would be someone who feels confident enough to live in the moment without obsessively worrying about the future or if this moment was “good enough” for anyone else or measuring up to anyone else’s expectations. I would be free to sense peace and feel safe.
Who would I be without fear? I would be lighter, freer, my thoughts would be happier. Less seeing all the imperfections, mostly in me, but also in others. Sleep better, Be more like my husband, who seems to have a happier life than me. My thoughts can cripple me at times.
There are other times when I really pay attention that these thoughts and feelings can be challenged. I get glimpses of my better self. I realise my judgement is being too harsh, and I feel a great love.
I realise I am a child of God.
I would be unstoppable. I spend a lot of time trying to convince myself to keep going. I can’t help but believe that without having to expend so much energy on that I would be unstoppable without fear.
So much of my life is about anxiety and revictimization from early trauma. Who would I be? A person who can relax and breathe and enjoy life without the need for soothing, controlling behaviors or hiding myself from others. I would be Self led with room for all the parts of myself whole and happy and not looping in fear.
I would be more artistically, socially, and professionally brave. I’d be a better human being since the mental energy centered on feeling afraid really hinders my ability to focus on other people and their needs as well as what is going on in each moment of life.
Thank you so much of all you do! I was not aware that I live the spiral of anxiety. Your teaching here just opened my eyes. With your mindful exercise demonstration, I just learned to use this tool in my every day life and will do my check-in with this to face these subtile fears/anxiety. I will give them a face and talk to them!
I’ve believed something is wrong with me most of my 75 years of life with few, all too brief, exceptions and far too many confirmations. I can’t even imagine who I would be without this belief. Sad, but true.
Thank you, Tara, for your excellent presentations.
Charlotte Riley, Psychotherapy, Los Angeles , CA, USAsays
CR: I’d be warm, open to hold others who need care. I’d be able to talk with another without hiding or turning away. I’d be able to love fully and receive love with assurance.
Someone with more presence to enjoy what’s happening right now, rather than thinking I should be doing something else right now (to artificially manage the world outside of me).
Jt ALLEN, Other, JOHNSTOWN, PA, USA says
what a liberating exercise! i would write poetry and dance
Vanessa Chin, Psychology, MY says
I’d say what’s on my mind without worrying if others would like me. I’d confront others more of what I believe is right. I’d sing in front of others and enjoy expressing myself for who I am.
Lee Ann Ashmead, Other, Santa Clara, CA, USA says
God only knows… certainly happier. This series of 3 videos was absolutely amazing and powerful. My biggest issue in life is clutter… and I know it’s the manifestation of many fears I have. I use my clutter as protection from facing/dealing with them. Is there any way that I can purchase and/or be given the links to these 3 videos so I can watch them in the future? I feel they would be *such* a source of strength and inspiration for me! I would love to be contacted about this request. Thanks :>)
Kitty Koniali, Coach, Lexington, KY, USA says
I would be very, very happy in my heart, relaxed and calm in my body. I would be able to do the things I always wanted to do, like being assertive and dignified; strike friendships with people I look up to and just enjoy life.
Imp P, Other, Salt Lake City, UT, USA says
I’d be social and engaging with others. I’d be a bringer of light.
Val L, Counseling, CA says
I would be more happy and accepting of myself, and more confident to take risks and live more in the present moment.
Cecee E, Coach says
Who would I be without fear – I’d continue on to be that fearless achiever, not bothered by success or failure but just doing things to experience life.
R F, Other, RI, USA says
It’s hard to imagine who I’d be, I feel I’ve always lived in some degree of fear. I suppose I’d be more comfortable and confident with myself.
J H, Other, Oregon City, OR, USA says
I would be excited to see which doors open/open wider for me.
aline Cabal, Rockville, MD, USA says
an enthusiastically unstoppable being enjoying every moment doing good on this planet.
Jaime Vargas, Coach, CA says
I have been battling chronic anxiety for a few months now, not only in my mind but in my body doesn’t rest from the constant stress response, which, sometimes lasts for the whole day but Just by thinking “who would I be if I didn’t believe there was something wrong with me” I was able to ease that feeling, it is such a powerful reflection. Thanks for sharing this knowledge
Jennifer D, Another Field, Milwaukee, WI, USA says
I would be me, authentically me, for the first time since I was a very young child. I’d love to learn who that person is! The one that isn’t constantly on guard, masking herself to never show any weakness or fault. It’s exhausting. Imagine the energy I would have!
Monica Shapiro, Counseling, CA says
This 4 part program is a gift! I see that it is going off line tonight and I wish there was some way I would be able to have it to refer to again and again. It is so powerful and such an important explanation of how fear controls us, and how we can get to control it instead. Please let me know how I can get a copy of this video or recording.
Thanks very much for offering it freely in the first place.
Monica Shapiro
Chris Tims, Baltimore, MD, USA says
I really like the simple mantra “true, but not real”. Saying it’s true doesn’t discount one’s thoughts but saying “not real” helps reveal the insubstantiability and emptiness of those thoughts, making it easier to let them go..but you already know this, lol.
Thank you for your sharing your practice.
Chris Tims.
Baltimore
Beth Hodges, Social Work, Houston, TX, USA says
Great question – will be a helpful tool to use with clients. To answer the question hopeful, compassionate, accepting of myself and others as we approach our dreams.
Diana Zak, Other, Chicago, IL, USA says
Happy, joyous and free!
Jerry Cooney, Other, Richmond , VA, USA says
I like the concept that fear is a healthy biological trigger. like a service dog that approaches a stranger for help. An opportunity to mindfully access whether flight or fight is an appropriate response. Something to be thankful for.
Leah Freij, Nursing, Fairfax, VA, USA says
I would be fearless, I wouldn’t hold myself back, I wouldn’t be self critical and scare myself to death, and lose my self confidence and feel like an imposter. I would have pursued my love for coding qualitative research and contributed to the knowledge base of professionals and the average person just like many successful professionals. I agree that my fear has held me back and eventually I lost trust in my abilities. Without fear, I would have worked with my vulnerabilities and moved mountains.
Victoria G, Other, AU says
I’d be light, free, and energised
Emma Williamson, Counseling, NZ says
Free
Vanessa L., Social Work, Modesto, CA, USA says
If I didn’t believe that there was something wrong with me, I will express my creativity and share it with others. I will explore my interests and go out to nature not thinking “what if” which then it usually stops myself from doing it and finding reasons as to why is important that I don’t engage in such activity. If I didn’t believe that there was something wrong with me, I will have more friends and stay in touch even when we no longer live in the same town.
Mary Nordwall, Counseling, Tahlequah, OK, OK, USA says
I would be that confident person, I used to be when I was younger.
Marilyn Hormann, Counseling, Fort Wayne, IN, USA says
I would be whole and healthy. That’s my goal.
Jodi Grern, Other, CA says
A « being » able to be in flow and operate from a place of kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. instead of a person hijacked into doing: to protect, to stay safe, to control, to keep the system safe (falsely).
Zara Yellin, Psychology, AU says
I would be free to be and enjoy every moment
Linda Carroll, Teacher, Largo, FL, USA says
Helpful suggestion to ask myself, “Who would I be if . . . ?” The example of the boy who turned around and faced the monster in his nightmares is a useful visual..
I look forward to learning more.
Celeste Henderson, Other, CA says
I’d be living my life with confidence and a sense of direction.
Denise says
Totally free to access my full potential because I wouldn’t get in my way. But, also, without fear, I might get into troubling situations because I wouldn’t have the response that alerts me to immediate threat.
Shelley Flavell, CO, USA says
I can’t imagine who I’d be.
Fiona Maynard, Another Field, AU says
Without fear I would be someone who feels confident enough to live in the moment without obsessively worrying about the future or if this moment was “good enough” for anyone else or measuring up to anyone else’s expectations. I would be free to sense peace and feel safe.
Mary Lee, Health Education, Lynchburg, VA, USA says
A happier person who is free and able to enjoy more relationships and experiences.
Donna, Physical Therapy, OH, USA says
I would be happy, loving, accepting, courageous
Pat McCluskey, Another Field, GB says
Who would I be without fear? I would be lighter, freer, my thoughts would be happier. Less seeing all the imperfections, mostly in me, but also in others. Sleep better, Be more like my husband, who seems to have a happier life than me. My thoughts can cripple me at times.
There are other times when I really pay attention that these thoughts and feelings can be challenged. I get glimpses of my better self. I realise my judgement is being too harsh, and I feel a great love.
I realise I am a child of God.
John Garza, Other, El Paso, TX, USA says
I would be more light hearted and free to live more fully and take more risks.
Tessa McPeake, Social Work, AU says
I would not hesitate or be stuck before acting on my intelligent and intuitive responses to life.
Urs Mar, Another Field, Chicago , IL, USA says
I would be unstoppable. I spend a lot of time trying to convince myself to keep going. I can’t help but believe that without having to expend so much energy on that I would be unstoppable without fear.
A B, Coach, Attleboro , MA, USA says
So much of my life is about anxiety and revictimization from early trauma. Who would I be? A person who can relax and breathe and enjoy life without the need for soothing, controlling behaviors or hiding myself from others. I would be Self led with room for all the parts of myself whole and happy and not looping in fear.
Margaret Bergen, East Palatka, FL, USA says
I’d be more authentically myself!
Kristin Bazin, Other, CA says
Wow, so motivating.
I would be a person who is care free, and at peace if I did not believe something was wrong with me.
I am still answering this question, and I could see this is just the beginning at becoming the person who is carefree and at peace with themselves.
Thank you
Janet Colaianni, Teacher, Philadelphia, PA, USA says
I would be more creative and spontaneous
Monique Everett, Student, Bow, WA, USA says
I would be more artistically, socially, and professionally brave. I’d be a better human being since the mental energy centered on feeling afraid really hinders my ability to focus on other people and their needs as well as what is going on in each moment of life.
dawn reynolds, Psychotherapy, CA says
I’d be a lighter , more authentic woman.
Cinda Foulkrod, Other, Bradenton, FL, USA says
Being free from self criticism would be liberating!!
Russ Roberts, Teacher, Pacific, CA, USA says
I would engage with people more fully.
Ela Williams, Other, MD, USA says
Thank you so much of all you do! I was not aware that I live the spiral of anxiety. Your teaching here just opened my eyes. With your mindful exercise demonstration, I just learned to use this tool in my every day life and will do my check-in with this to face these subtile fears/anxiety. I will give them a face and talk to them!
N B, Counseling, USA says
what an intriguing question. thank you Tara.
i look forward to the audio of the 3 step program.
Barbara F. Ray, Other, Salem, OR, USA says
I’ve believed something is wrong with me most of my 75 years of life with few, all too brief, exceptions and far too many confirmations. I can’t even imagine who I would be without this belief. Sad, but true.
Thank you, Tara, for your excellent presentations.
Charlotte Riley, Psychotherapy, Los Angeles , CA, USA says
CR: I’d be warm, open to hold others who need care. I’d be able to talk with another without hiding or turning away. I’d be able to love fully and receive love with assurance.
Susan Farley, Other, seattle, WA, USA says
I would be happy and free <3
Elvira Chang, Coach, Somerville, MA, USA says
Someone with more presence to enjoy what’s happening right now, rather than thinking I should be doing something else right now (to artificially manage the world outside of me).