Fear is a great hindrance. I like your analogy of fear being a bully!
May I add to that reference to standing up to fear to lessen it's power on you with
What ever you focus on, you give power to. Wether it be your thoughts or emotions.
Your recommendation to stop and just focus in on your breath is great for pulling yourself away from being enveloped by your fears or whatever else may be beginning to overwhelm you. Stay focused and be in the moment, that is my philosophy for living a fuller life!
I don't listen much to the mainstream media or the negativity on social media - no time to let myself get caught up in them but thank-you for the reminder!
You are so right, staying focused on the present moment solves so many of life's problems and puts you in the proper frame of mind to deal with nearly anything that comes your way.
My wife and I have been away from MSM for about five years now. Now, when we catch a few moments of the news while at someone else's house or when traveling through airports we immediately feel how crushingly depressing and negative it is. It really is a barrage of negativity that leaves you feeling differently about the world...and not in a good way.
Thanks for your comment @porters!