Before we even become aware of fear, our bodies are naturally equipped to handle certain actions and situations, often without our conscious understanding. This innate ability is something we are born with and is essential for our survival and functioning. However, as we grow older, this instinctual confidence diminishes and is replaced by conscious fears that can limit our actions.
"Before we learn to feel afraid of things, our bodies know how to do them anyway. It's one of the more disappointing aspects of growing older. We fear more so we can do less." - John Boyne, in his book This House is Haunted. This quote highlights the paradox of aging: our natural abilities decline as our fears grow, leading to a sense of loss in our freedom and potential to act.