“Gwababa” is a term that’s popular among black South Africans. It is used to describe a sense of fear and/or Nervousness. The term is used in such instances where one could be fearful or nervous but can’t really tell. So the term may be perceived as an integration of the two emotions.
Fear is a state of mind, an emotion that presents itself in instances of known or definite threat/danger. Nervousness comes when something undesirable is likely to happen, some might say it’s the fear of the unknown.
CAUSES OF GWABABA
We all experience “gwababa”, in both its forms, some time in our lives and while some “gwababa” is plausible others can be irrational. Fear-gwababa can be caused by, among other things, previous life experiences; not wanting to go through the same pain again. And nervousness-gwababa can be caused by overthinking, lack of confidence, and low self-esteem/not believing in yourself.
DEALING WITH THE DEVIL
You can never entirely rid “gwababa” whether it’s the fear-gwababa or the nervousness-gwababa. We all have the spirit of courage and self-discipline and to overcome those moments where we experience “gwababa” we have to discipline our minds to choose to listen and embrace positive thoughts that that’ll build our courage.
Such discipline helps in embracing your spirit of courage, and by embracing your spirit of courage you can overcome “gwababa”. Do not worry about things you can’t control, instead be ready and willing to learn from all experiences and outcomes, whether negative or positive.
Just because you get the “gwababa” feeling doesn’t mean you have to listen to it. Listening to it prevents one from experiencing and enjoying life to the fullest. Listen to those thoughts that say you can and not those that say you can’t/shouldn’t. There are advantages/positives and disadvantages/negatives to everything, always hope for the positives with the willingness to learn from the negatives, and never succumb to “gwababa”. Getting the feeling of “gwababa” means you are alive so let that feeling fuel you to take action, whatever action.
