The Joy-Fear Paradox - How To Stop Fear From Creating Setbacks
Dagmar Fleming
Success Coach | Mindset Expert | Author | Speaker | I empower entrepreneurs to accelerate their growth, amplify life purpose & fulfill their potential even if they hit a wall.
A few years ago, I found myself buying a joy journal. It sounds a bit funny, doesn’t it? I mean, how wild is it that I needed to purchase a journal to remind me to slow down and savor life’s little moments?
At the time, I was caught up in a whirlwind of work and responsibilities, never pausing to “smell the roses.” I thought I was simply being productive, but in reality, I was using work as a way to distract myself and avoid dealing with underlying fears and disappointments.
By pushing pain away, I was also unknowingly shutting out the potential for joy.
The more I focused on avoiding discomfort, the less room there was for true happiness to enter my life.
A Wake-up Call
My joy journal wasn’t just a physical item; it was a wake-up call.
I had to admit that I was living reactively, consumed by the idea of avoiding potential discomforts or setbacks. This awareness opened my eyes to a truth that so many of us overlook:
What we focus on is what we create.
The Invisible Grip of the Past
Many of us, without even realizing it, let past traumas, painful memories and wounds linger in our consciousness. We become so invested in avoiding a repeat of old pain that it subtly drives our present actions.
Someone who’s been burned by a toxic relationship may remain single for years, fearful of enduring the same heartbreak again. Or a person who’s faced financial failure may shy away from taking new risks, convinced that protecting themselves is the only way to avoid more loss.
This protective mechanism might seem logical, but it often perpetuates the very pain we’re trying to escape.
By constantly revisiting past wounds, we inadvertently feed our consciousness with those memories and vibrations, which keeps the negative cycle alive.
?As a result, we attract more of what we fear, following the laws of attraction and vibration.
What Are You Vibrating?
We are all vibrational beings, and the Universe responds to what we emit. Every thought, feeling, and emotion carries a frequency that radiates outward, attracting similar energy back to us.
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If you’re stuck in fear, you’re likely to draw in more situations that affirm those fears.
Think of it as your mind seeking validation—manifesting external circumstances that align with its internal beliefs, even if those beliefs are rooted in fear.
The same principle applies to broader scenarios, like the current political climate. With the upcoming presidential elections, society feels incredibly polarized. The media and social platforms amplify this divide, often tempting us to focus on conflict.
But here’s a question to ponder: are we alleviating stress by seeking peace, or are we unintentionally feeding the conflict by immersing ourselves in it?
The choice of focus directly influences the energy we emit and, ultimately, the experiences we create for ourselves and the world.
Shift Your Focus: Pleasure Over Pain
What if, instead of pushing against pain, we turned towards pleasure?
Imagine filling your life with simple joys, like petting your dog, indulging in a luxurious bath, or even taking a moment to feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. These small shifts raise your vibration, creating a ripple effect of positive energy.
So, how can you begin to focus more on the pleasures of life?
Start by noticing what brings you joy, no matter how small. Engage in activities that make you feel good and try to extend those moments of happiness. It could be as simple as journaling about three things that brought you joy each day, similar to my journey with the joy journal.
The key is to redirect your energy from protecting against pain to inviting in pleasure.
Are You Ready to Break the Cycle?
If you’re ready to shift from focusing on pain to embracing pleasure, I invite you to schedule a Rapid Breakthrough Session with me.
In this session, we'll uncover the subconscious patterns that keep you stuck and identify ways to raise your vibration for a life filled with joy, abundance, and peace.
Don’t let past traumas dictate your future—let’s create something beautiful together.
Board Adviser ?? | Executive Mentor ?? | Biz Development Expert ?? | Guiding Leaders to Lead with Influence | Veteran ?? | Intl Speaker ??
2 周Love this! A joy journal sounds like a powerful tool for shifting perspectives. Keep shining. ??
?? Journalist turned happy virtual assistant extraordinaire. ?? DM me if you want to: ?? show up 10 times more ?? reclaim your time to focus doing what you love You deserve to delegate!
2 周Such a rich topic to talk about, Dagmar. Savoring the joys from the ordinary quite works. Are you working on any projects where youd like to incorporate those concepts?
PgDip at Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing-SLIM
2 周Wow, this really hit home! It’s so true how avoiding pain can unknowingly block joy. I love the idea of shifting focus toward simple pleasures—such a powerful reminder to be more mindful of what we’re attracting. Thank you for sharing this, Dagmar!