Consider what fear is and why some people are addicted to it. Ask yourself whether you invite it in and how it prompts you to behave as you do. What if you choose to allow freedom to shift your perspective?
When people allow themselves to be controlled by fear, they block out the experience of joy and freedom. You have the opportunity to open the mind and choose to learn from yourself. Respect the external world.
Notice the choice to fear invites the reason for it into your life. The mind does this to help you learn to face and see through fear, realize you can live in peace and harmony. Fear does not have to be on your agenda. You are taught to expect fear and suffering and to forget the kindness and compassion.
Recall you can live without imagining painful penance. Take another approach. Give yourself the penance of 50 strokes to the back of a cat or another animal. Never underestimate healing power of compassion.