Fear can be good. Fear of burning keeps you from touching a hot stove or setting yourself on fire. Fear of getting in trouble can keep you from doing a lot of illegal things. Fear of accidents keep you from being careless when driving. Fear can make you eat right so you stay healthy. Fear of shame can keep you from doing things you know your friends and family won't like.

Fear can also be bad though. Fear of saying the wrong thing can keep you from ever saying anything at all. Fear that someone won't like you can keep you from ever making friends and can keep you from going places where you might meet people. Fear of disagreements can keep you from ever expressing your own opinion about something. Fear of being abandoned can make you hang on so tight you drive people away. Fear that no one could ever love you can keep you from ever trying to find love or friends. Fear that you won't be acceptable can keep you from trying to join any group or help anyone. Fear of doing the wrong thing can keep you from ever doing anything...can make you hide out at home doing nothing. Fear of not being good enough can make you hide. Fear of looking foolish or silly can also make you hide your real self. Fear of getting mugged or assaulted can also make you hide out at home. Fear can be bad.

The problem is finding a balance..enough fear to stay as safe as possible but not so much that it keeps you from truly living. Not always easy.