The Coyote (Predator or Prey?)

“Always move toward your demons. They take their power from your retreat.” (Thom Rutledge)

One valuable tool I’ve found for dealing with fear or anxiety is to view my feelings as enthusiasm. This way, if I’m fired up about an upcoming event, I can use this energy constructively and direct it accordingly.

One rather odd example is when I was walking in the early morning in my neighborhood and encountered a coyote. What with the pre-dawn lighting, I initially thought it was a dog on a very bad hair day, so I ventured fairly close before stopping in my tracks. The coyote and I stared at each other.

The coyote began to creep slowly toward me, with a menacing look on its face. I sensed that if I turned and fled, the coyote would probably run after me, considering me prey. On the other hand, if I charged the coyote, it might view itself as prey and run away.

I chose the latter (not without some trepidation), and sure enough, the coyote hightailed it down the road away from me. In a similar manner, I find that if I confront my fears and proceed with confidence (even if I’m faking the confidence at the time!), my fears retreat.

What about you? What is scaring you right now in your life? Can you imagine yourself “charging” one of your fears? What action would this entail on your part?