DEALING WITH FEAR —

Some of us suffer from free-floating anxiety that is like a general fear, while others have specific fears that cause distress. Sometimes specific fears are easier to face, because they can at least be identified. Most of us dread that other kind—a sort of general apprehension that things are not well or a feeling that something bad will happen. Sometimes bad things happen in life that are beyond our control but being consumed by fear can not prevent this or otherwise serve us.

It's reasonable to have some fear when facing trouble or risk. It's unreasonable, however, to let fear keep us from acting in our own best interests. A review of the past may show that many of us did that while drinking and brought even more calamities upon ourselves.

Whatever the fear, the answer is always the same. We must apply the principles of our program to the problem, take a reasonable action and then leave the outcome to our higher power. No person can do more than this. This will not bring permanent victory over fear. It will however, give us confidence in the program as a tool for dealing with fears that arise in the future.

I may have to deal with fear today, but I will accept it as part of the human condition. I know that I have great spiritual resources to deal with any fear that might arise, and this gives me confidence and reassurance.