Embracing Fear

by Thom Rutledge

Fear takes many forms -- dread, worry, panic, anxiety, self-consciousness, superstition, and negativity -- and manifests itself in many ways -- avoidance, procrastination, judgment, control, agitation, and perfectionism, to name just a few. Fear is our constant companion. It haunts us day and night and prevents us from living to our potential. Whether we are afraid of the dark or of being alone, failure or commitment, public speaking or flying, fear dominates our lives, affecting nearly every decision we make."Embracing Fear" challenges us to confront and move beyond the destructive control of unhealthy fear. Utilizing the acronym F-E-A-R, psychotherapist Thom Rutledge maps out a step-by-step methodology: Face it
Explore it
Accept it
Respond to itInstead of repressing or ignoring the voices of panic and dread, we learn that it is only through facing, exploring, accepting, and responding to fear that we free ourselves from its paralyzing grip. Combining compelling stories from the author's twenty-year practice, examples from his own struggles with addiction and depression, and practical exercises and tools, "Embracing Fear" does not pretend to teach the impossible and eliminate fear, but rather shows us that once we understand it we can live beyond its tyrannical control. This powerful life-transforming guide is for everyone who constantly worries about the "what-ifs, " but is ready and willing to triumph over fear's pervasive presence once and for all.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Personal Development

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 28, 2002

About the author

Thom Rutledge has been a psychotherapist for 25 years. He combines his professional expertise with his personal experience in recovery from alcoholism and depression to teach others how to face the fears and negativity that stand between them and the lives they want to live.

As a writer, a speaker, or a talk show guest, Thom's presentation of very serious matters is packaged in his trademark sense of humor.

Thom's latest book is Embracing Fear (HarperOne). Visit his main web site, thomrutledge.com, and his new site, created to register his objections and concerns about the runaway best selling dvd/book project, The Secret: thesecretantidote.com."

Reviews

[Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most significant points of this book are:

1. Choosing a therapist

When you are in therapy, it's critical that you have a therapist who will help you establish goals for your progress and then, more importantly, hold you responsible for reaching those goals. When you reach the goals, pat you on your back and send you on your way toward a better life.

In my opinion, all too often, people go into therapy and stay there entirely too long. They can even become addicted to the therapy. This book is good at helping to open one's eyes to the need to confront old issues . . . .

2. Confronting old issues

Even if you don't remember past events, they can have an impact on your life now. That isn't to say that you go into some quack regression therapy and start making stuff up but if you have an issue in your past and you confront it in a mature fashion, it can co a long way toward enhancing your life.

--Wag--

[Kittu · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will be amazed!

When I started reading this book (not my first self help book) I was amazed at the depth of each scenario the author took me. Not all but some of the scenarios definitely were directly applicable to me, which is very rare in a book meant for general audience. I applied some of the exercises prescribed by the author as I turned the pages and most of them worked for me. I was meaning to go to a therapist from a very long time but the very idea of finding a good therapist put me down.
Thank you Thom and his wonderful team for working on something so meaningful. It's the first self help book I actually read cover to cover, the content spoke to me on so many levels and I had a few therapy sessions on my own (as guided by the book of course). The experience was refreshing. I recommend the book to readers who are not looking for band-aid solutions in life but are willing to put in work for an entire healing process.

[David Rubenstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very important message, delivered in an accessible way. I should go back to this in a year to see how it has influenced me. Simple words, simple, concept, easy to read. But a very slippery message that is easy to lose - we are all affected by fear that slows us down, when it is not paralyzing us.

[Majka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Świetna książka, zwracająca uwagę na problemy ludzi w dzisiejszych czasach. Sporo się z niej nauczyłam. Zobaczymy czy uda się wprowadzić w życie.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

We use this book annual with our employees in group setting. We read it outloud together.

[Linda Prieskorn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many arguments about the importance of fear in our lives.
The first half was great but the second was tedious.

[Ivanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. As you read you get constantly surprised by Mr. Rutledge wisdom, in my personal experience as someone who’s afraid of almost EVERYTHING I can say that this book really helped me.

I can really say that this book changed how I see fear and life, usually i’m not a big fan of this type of self help books or whatever but this book has become one of my favorite books. I truly recommend you to read this book. Truly amazing, inspiring and life changing.

[The Halfwit Writer · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are very few books that I can honestly say are life-changers. This, however, can be counted among them. It doesn't matter who you are, where you are in life, or what you do, this book can only benefit you. Written in easy-to-understand, engaging language, Rutledge delivers his "nutshells" perfectly so that everyone can live a healthier life - embracing their fears at last.

[Hoan]

I had a some fears that I've faced and couldn't quite overcome as a child. But I think reading this book made me realize how to try to face those fears and acknowledge a way to get through. Actually I would say that it's improved some of my will power as well.

[J. Schmidt · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first read it, I was a bit disappointed as I expected more practical tips as to how to overcome fear. However, when I reviewed my notes and highlights from this book several weeks later, in retrospect I did learn a lot.

[Jason Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some very helpful concepts along with some odd ideas that limit the book's usefulness. Still, for those who recognise fear as a controlling influence in their lives, this book should be well worth the read.

[Katrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned that there are 2 different kinds of fear. The ally- warning you of real dangers. The bully making up dangers and preventing growth and installing neurotic fear. Very easy to understand.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good gems in this one. I really like Thom's writing style and his examples make the ideas really clear and relatable.

[Rand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent explanation of what causes fear and strategies for coping with it.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing!! Extremely helpful and well written. I highly recommend this book.