Beneath the Brave Face
Fear is a universal human emotion. It’s something we all experience at various points in our lives. And yet, we often find ourselves trying to hide it, to put on a brave face, and to show the world that we’re not afraid.
I sat in an airplane seat, and the magical world unfolded on the screen. A simple yet profound statement resonated with me:
“I’m really scared, too. But I’m trying to hide it…”
These words, spoken by the character Popi in the movie Doraemon: Nobita’s Little Star Wars 2021, express a feeling that we all understand.
Fear takes many forms. It can be fear of the unknown, fear of failure, or fear of rejection. It can manifest in our professional and personal lives, or even in our relationships. Even in the world of Doraemon, characters grapple with fear in ways that we can relate to. This reminds us that fear is not a sign of weakness, but a natural part of life.
So, how do people cope with their fears, and why do we often try to hide them? One common coping mechanism is to use a “mask of bravery”. We tend to downplay our fears, pretending that we are invincible, all-knowing, and never afraid. We fear the judgments and perceptions of others, and this fear of judgment can be even more scarier than fear itself.
Another way to overcome fear is to seek refuge in distractions to hide fear. We immerse ourselves in work, hobbies, or even socializing excessively to escape our fears. While this may provide temporary relief, it does not address the root of our fear. It often makes it worse.
Instead, admitting our fears and embracing them is a crucial part of our personal growth. When we admit our fears, it’s like shining a light on them, which helps us understand ourselves better. We can then take concrete steps to overcome them. This process isn’t about showing weakness; it’s about discovering the strength that comes from being open and honest about our vulnerabilities. It’s in these moments of vulnerability that we often find our greatest resilience and courage.
The message from this movie is clear:
“Fear is a common human experience, and it’s okay to admit it when we’re scared. “
Instead of hiding from our fears, we should embrace them, learn from them, and grow as individuals. It’s a journey that takes courage, but that leads to personal development and a deeper understanding of ourselves.
In the end, fear brings us together. It’s something we all share as humans. When we admit and deal with our fears, we become more genuine, and we deeply connect with others. Fear is a normal part of life, and as we learn to handle it, we become better at facing the tough times and uncertainties ahead.
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy reading my reflection. Since you made it this far, I’ll introduce myself.
My name is Jufry Heryanta, and I’m a Product Designer at Tokopedia.
If you have any feedback or just want to chat with me, drop me a message at jufryheryanta@gmail.com or connect on LinkedIn and Instagram.
If this article resonated with you and you’d like to buy me a virtual coffee, you can do so here!
