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National Face Your Fears Day

Fun · October 13

A day for facing a fear head on, from spiders and heights to speaking up in a meeting, one small, manageable step at a time.

National Face Your Fears Day falls on Wednesday, October 13, 2027. That is 351 days away.

Most people carry around at least one fear they would rather not think about. It might be heights, deep water, spiders or the moment before speaking to a room full of strangers. This one asks you to pick a fear and take a step toward it instead of around it.

The step does not have to be dramatic. Plenty of people mark it quietly. They make the phone call they have been putting off, look at a picture of a snake for a full minute, or ride the glass elevator instead of taking the stairs. Others go bigger and sign up for a climbing wall or an open mic night. Fear tends to shrink a little each time it is met in a safe, controlled way, so the small version counts.

Some fears are worth keeping. A healthy respect for traffic, cliff edges and hot stoves does real work, and nobody needs to test it. The fears that make good candidates are the ones that block something you actually want to do, like traveling, trying a new food or raising a hand in class.

It helps to bring company. A friend who already likes dogs, or who has jumped off the high dive before, can make the first try feel ordinary. And afterward there is usually a funny little letdown, the realization that the scary thing was mostly the waiting.

Ways to celebrate

• Write down one fear and one small step you could take toward it.
• Make the phone call or send the email you have been avoiding.
• Try a food you have always been nervous to taste.
• Ask a friend to join you for something new, like a climbing wall.
• Share a story about a fear you once overcame.

Dates

All national days on October 13

Also on October 13

• U.S. Navy Birthday
• National M&M Day
• National Fossil Day
• National Train Your Brain Day

Categories: Fun days