Fear has value in that it is part of our nature, part of our animal instincts for survival. Fear can alert us by bringing issues into our awareness that may actually help us to survive. The old “Fight or Flight Syndrome” is necessary in the animal kingdom and unfortunately can still be useful in our existence as Human beings.
It is important to make a distinction between “innate fear” and “learned fear”. Innate fear is the good fear, the useful emotion we are born with that helps us to survive life threatening situations. Learned fear is a result of our society and upbringing. We live in a world or rules, laws, expectations, etc. We are taught to live in fear of going against such things or bad things will happen to us. Of course, in a society we do have to follow certain rules, laws etc., but what about expectations? Do we really have to live up to the expectations of others? The short answer is NO! Let those kinds of fears go, now. Should we contribute our best to our community? YES! If you live up to the expectations you have of yourself that is the best way to contribute to your community.