Better by far let him break a rib, or bruise his nose, than all the time to live in the bondage of your fears.
Elsewhere I have referred to the fact that we often bring upon our loved ones the perils we fear.

There is a close connection between our mental states and the objects with which we are surrounded.
Or, mayhap, it would be more correct to say that it is our mental condition that shapes the actions of those around us in relation to the things by which they are surrounded.

Let me illustrate with an incident which happened in my own observation.

A small boy and girl had a nervous, ever worrying mother.

She was assured that her boy was bound to come to physical ill, for he was so courageous, so adventuresome, so daring.