Fight, Flight or Freeze ?

Who knew that stepping out a few meters from my building would be an opportunity for a new post? Not me. This is the shortest story ever narrating self-empowerment and elevated confidence in the face of fear. 

What happened? 

I was never a dog person. Living in Poland and being surrounded sometimes by some really calm and friendly dogs has warmed me up to them quite a bit. This one chilly pleasant yet late evening, I was crossing the park across my building to go to the supermarket to pick up eggs and bread for breakfast the next day. The most ordinary thing a human can do. However, this moment was destined to remind me of my own capability. A small dog, not on a leash came up to me barking. I wasn’t sure if he’d jump on me and tear my favorite knitted trousers. He just kept barking and barking at me. 

The response 

Fight, flight or freeze are the basics in such situations. I was afraid. I knew running would only make the dog run after me. Which solves nothing. 

Somehow magically I stood there and more confidently than I ever imagined I said in a clear loud voice  - “Who the F#&k has this dog? Please take your dog away! 

The person called out to his dog in a reprimanding manner. The dog did go away. 

It seems to me I froze and fought simultaneously. 

Reflection

This can inspire so many ways to look at this story metaphorically and the different lessons it can teach us. To name a few - barking dogs, facing fears, self-empowerment, inner power. 

To me, it added so much colour to my otherwise restful evening. One thing it does make me reflect on and hope that you as a reader might benefit from is this 

- What are the areas in my life that I am afraid of, that might actually not be as monstrous once I face it by just being me?

- What is stopping me from facing it?

- What can I do to overcome it?

- How can my life be different once I face it and overcome it? 

This story takes me back to a similar incident many years ago. Only instead of a dog, it was a desert snake. I was surrounded by a hill on my left, a hill in front of me, a deep construction site to my right, and the road behind me. Of course, when a snake makes its way straight to you, running is not such an option when fear consumes you with fright and you freeze. I stamped my foot and called out to Jesus. The creature was still in front of me. I stamped my foot harder and said the name of Jesus stronger. The creature instantly turned 90 degrees and went to the hill and I stood in my place watching it go. 

Simple humans have great strengths when we least expect it. Isn’t it worthwhile then to explore our strengths and overcome our weaknesses?