Read this fit mom featured blog by Samantha Semans. Thanks to Samantha for her transparency and courage to write this blog on how to overcome fear! Read more about Samantha on her blog, Losing Weight and Gaining Life.

Ever since giving birth to Grace in May, I have had this new feeling come over me. Fear. Never before have I really experienced fear. I am generally a pleasant person, carefree, and lives life to the fullest.

Fear is defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

An unpleasant emotion indeed. I don’t necessarily fear anyone harming me. I fear that I won’t be able to provide for my daughter, that I will fail her somehow as a mom, that I won’t be a good fitness and healthy living role model. All of these thoughts randomly occur in my head throughout the week (not an obsession thought but more random).

When did fear decide it can come into my brain!? More importantly, when did I let it happen?? That is my bigger problem.

I read the parenting books, I prayed, I read my Bible, I took the classes, etc. I did everything I could prior to delivering to ensure I was a good mama. Nothing in those materials described the responsibility and emotions I would feel bringing this wonderful life into the world.

Finally, I decided to stop thinking and worrying about these fears and address them.

What if I can’t provide for my daughter? (Mind you, I think this fear came after my not being able to produce enough breast milk for her). I feed her, clothe her, stimulate her, and my husband/I provide a roof for her. I am going back to work to be sure we can provide everything for her.

What if I fail her as a mom? Seriously Sam, think about it. No one will ever love her more than her father and I. We would do anything for her.

What if I am not a healthy role model for her? I used to weigh three hundred pounds. I was overweight, insecure, and unhealthy. I lost over 110 pounds to be able to conceive. One of my main reasons for losing the weight, aside from getting healthy, is for Grace. When I exercise, I bring her with me. She watches and plays while mommy sweats it out. I eat a balanced diet (with a few fun days) to ensure the milk from me she gets is healthy and to give myself the energy I need to keep up with her. We go on walks as a family together. My husband and I are changing our activities so we can all be healthy together. As long as I keep doing what I am doing when she gets older, she will be apart of a healthy lifestyle and family.

As mothers, we care about every minute of our children’s lives. We care for their mental well-being as well as their physical being. We want what’s best for them. We want them to grow up and be responsible adults who make a positive difference in the world!

With all that goes on with our children, running a household, and our million other duties, sometimes we forget to focus on ourselves. If I didn’t address these fears they may have consumed me. If we don’t take care of ourselves mentally and physically then we won’t be able to give one hundred percent to anything else. If you are feeling emotions that you haven’t dealt with, whether it is fear or anything else, deal with them. Face them head on by talking them through, talking with others, blogging about it, pray about it, or even asking for help.

A scripture verse that I always think about when these thoughts come to mind is:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Basically, don’t sweat the small stuff — and it is all small stuff.

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