In Frank Herbert's "Dune", there is a Litany against Fear. It says: "I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear hast gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."
Though perhaps misplaced, it is no less true.
Fear is perhaps the most powerful tool that exists. Through fear, you can manipulate and control people, as long as they give in to their fears. A dictator can only stay strong as long as people fear him.
But given this, fear can also be a weapon used against you. Confronting you with something you fear can be a part of manipulating you to do what they want.
I am not saying that you should try stop fearing things. Fear is a primal instinct, and it can be useful if controled. But there is this, you need control.
How? First, know what you fear, and if possible, know why.
Do you fear the dark? If so, why? What is it about darkness that scares? Are there monsters waiting, or is it the feeling of being watched? Maybe the feeling of being alone. If you can find the reason, it is easier to fight.
Or perhaps you fear being laughed at. Why? There is nothing wrong with laughter. Perhaps you take yourself too seriously. Why is that?
And then, how do you fight it? Not by convincing yourself that there is nothing to fear, because there might be. Some fears are irrational, but a lot of fears are real and dangerous. Also, it can be useful, because fear can give you the little push you need to get through a difficult situation.
So, by knowing, and preparing yourself to face what you fear, you gain control of it. Sooner or later you may have to face it for real, and by then you should be ready, and in control.
Fear can be useful, as long as it does not cloud your reason, nor hinder you in what you need to do.
And from fear you can draw Power. This can be drawn both from your own and others' fear, though to use other people's fear can be considered a cruel thing to do. And to scare people to draw Power from them is a dark thing indeed to do.
But know that in all emotions there is Power. Power can be found everywhere, if you know what to look for and how to use it. Just be careful so the Power doesn't gain control over you.
starcat@starcat.rlyeh.net