3-2-1: FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real

3-2-1 Get Balanced Wednesday

by Dr. Donnie

ā€œEncouraging you to align your daily behaviors

with your priorities in life.ā€

 

3-2-1: FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real

April 9, 2025

3 Ideas, 2 Quotes, and 1 Question to help you reflect on your work-life balance habits this week.

3 Ideas from Me

I.Ā  Surf’s Upā€¦ or is it?:

Iā€™ve been thinking about learning how to surf at Flagler Beach. I mean, how hard can it be? Itā€™s just like skateboarding, but on waterā€¦ right? LOL.Ā  Truth is, I know the moment I step into that ocean, my mindā€™s going to go straight to sharks. Every ripple will feel suspicious. Iā€™ll probably convince myself I saw one of those dreaded fins before I even get waist-deep. But hereā€™s the thing: I know thatā€™s just False Evidence Appearing Real. No facts, just fear. If I let that fear linger, it could keep me from experiencing a new adventure or experience in life.

 

II.Ā  When the Mind Plays Tricks:

This is how fear operates in our lives. We assume the worst: My chief is mad at me, Iā€™m failing as a parent, Iā€™m too far gone to change. These thoughts feel real, but they often stem from distorted interpretationsā€”not facts. In proactive behavioral health, we train ourselves to pause, assess, and align our minds with truth. Scripture reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:7 that ā€œGod has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.ā€

 

III. Reclaiming Balance and Well-Being

Work-life balance gets hijacked by fear all the time. We fear that slowing down means falling behind. We fear that prioritizing family might look ā€œweak.ā€ But truth says otherwise. When we operate from our values and priorities, steward our roles well, and make time for exercise, gratitude, prayer, and rest, weā€™re actually honoring God and setting an example for others, including our young to older children. The enemy wants you stuck in fear; God wants you to keep your eyes on Him and walk in freedom.

 

2 Quotes from Others

I.Ā 

ā€œWorry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.ā€

ā€“ Corrie Ten Boom

II.

“Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.”

ā€“ Winston Churchill

 

1 Question for You

What ā€œfalse evidence might be fueling a fear in your life right now, and what truth can you replace it with today?

 

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Until next week, may God bless you and your family.

– Dr. Donnie Hutchinson

 

The format and style of this newsletter were inspired and highly influenced by James Clear’s 3-2-1 Newsletter. The content is strictly Dr. Donnieā€™s.