My mother has donated over eighty-nine pints of blood and as a result, has probably saved countless lives over the years. I have visited a blood bank exactly zero times and have not given one drop of blood because I abhor needles (particularly when puncturing my skin) and feel queasy at the sight of blood. I’m scared of the pain and the possible fainting, but I still feel guilty. This fear is not only holding me back, but preventing me from truly helping those in need.
As December nears its end and we start thinking about the New Year, we usually resolve to better ourselves in some way. Many goals involve overcoming fear, but most are left unmet because of a lack of motivation. Perhaps, if benefiting the lives of others were on the line, we would maintain our determination. If we do good deeds in spite of being afraid and are able to conquer those fears through the process, the rewards are even greater. This year, let’s resolve to enrich not only ourselves, but also the world around us, through eliminating our most common fears.
Scared of Needles? Give Blood
Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on changing mindsets about the fearful object or situation as a way to alleviate anxiety and move past the fear. Therefore, those of us who are scared of needles or blood should focus on the positive act of donating blood instead of whatever scary images are in our heads. When we find the strength to visit a blood bank and sit down in the chair, closing our eyes and imagining how our deed will benefit others can give us the will to go through with it, and once we get past that first experience, our fear of needles or blood could be diminished. By confronting the scariness head on and using the desire to help others as motivation, we can slowly become more comfortable with the process.
Scared of Dogs? Volunteer at the SPCA
I used to be terrified of any dog bigger than a Chihuahua before my parents brought home a seventy-five-pound teddy bear of a black lab. By being forced to interact daily with an animal of such intimidating size, I learned that size has nothing to do with aggressiveness. If you’re scared of dogs, I don’t recommend going out and buying one, but having an obligation to spend time with them could help you overcome your fear. By volunteering at the SPCA, you’ll have the chance to walk, bathe, and play with dogs of all shapes and sizes. As you become more familiar with the furry canines, you just might grow to like them.
