When Mission Outweighs Fear!

Paul Bishop

MA, LPC, LPC/S

6/13/2022

My very anxious and fearful dog, Scout, taught us a lesson on overcoming fear last week. As thunderstorms were coming and going, Scout was crouching in corners, climbing in laps, and doing everything possible to avoid going anywhere near the outside! Even a gust of wind or a dark sky generally brings fear to his little body. Susan and I decided it was time to take a short hike back onto the property behind us to see if any more trees had been cut down. This is one of Scout’s favorite places to go back into the woods, a place full of smells and adventure for a little dog. When he heard we were going (he listens to everything we say), this little guy suddenly became unusually brave! He shifted his focus from the occasional thunder, the dark clouds, and the wind and re-focused his thoughts on the mission of exploration and adventure. You would have thought we were walking with the most courageous canine ever, as the three of us climbed over fallen trees, through sticky vines, and walked over potentially snake-infested brush. What changed? The mission. Scout found a mission and a destination that was stronger than his fear. He stopped noticing the scary sights and sounds. When where you are going becomes more important than the danger you fear, you will overcome, fight through and arrive at that goal. Just make sure you focus on the mission and not the fear. That’s what Scout does!