Facing Fear

I’ve discussed fear before, but I came across a quote from a great lady today. Eleanor Roosevelt. These words have a profound impact on me, because fear is something I’ve been personally working on looking in the face. It isn’t easy and it certainly takes time. But, today, I will remember these words as I conquer my greatest fears throughout this year and the rest of my life.

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

There are many things I may think I cannot do, but I know deep down inside, if I apply myself, I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. What are some of your fears? How will you face them? It isn’t about not being afraid. It’s about pushing through that fear and learning from it.

Carpe Diem

I came across a quote last night and it got me thinking about all the things I have put off until now. What have we put off until now? Due to fear, worry, stress, laziness or a number of other reasons? Have me missed chances and lost opportunities? Many, I’m sure. I cannot imagine thinking of all the things I have missed out on because I didn’t act on a moment. I don’t remember most of the things, but we always speak about how we shouldn’t have any regrets in life. We mention that we just take chances, jump at the opportunities that life throws at us, and go with our gut because we never know how wonderful something could turn out to be.

Many of us are stuck with problems. We may be in trouble with friends, have financial problems, be dealing with poor health or a number of other things. But, we can’t expect to see a change if we don’t make one. In order for a reaction we must first take action. What are you dealing with that you could improve if you choose to seize the day and start now rather than later? Would you have regrets? Most likely, but your questions about the unknown would be answered. You wouldn’t be sitting around, years from now, asking, what if? What if I had chosen to share my feelings with someone else? What if I had taken that opportunity to move up and find a more rewarding job? What if I had asked for help when I needed it instead of worrying about what others would think of me?

Fear is powerful, but so is hope, courage and determination. That’s something I have yet to work on and it’s a huge process I’m currently going through. The choices we make all have consequences and will certainly impact us in one way or another. However, we cannot be afraid to make a choice because of the consequence if there is an option for great reward. There are several fears I have. I worry about if people like me or not, I fear death because it’s unknown, I’m scared of losing my dogs, I think of my mom not being here with me one day, and a number of other things. But, that should not stop me from living life. It can’t stop me from being everything I am meant to be and impacting the world in the way I was meant to. I am here for a specific reason just as we all are. We are meant to do something for this world and with this world. Today, think about what we can do to give back and how we can make the most of each day we are graced with. Each breath is precious and you will never get it back. What will you do with your life?

“Probably some of the best things that have ever happened to you in life, happened because you said yes to something. Otherwise things just sort of stay the same.” -Danny Wallace

Letting Go

What does it mean to be brave? To have courage? To face your fears? It is defined as something different by each of us but has the same purpose. We all have monsters we face and some are big while others are small. Sometimes, the very thing we fear makes us stronger when we conquer that fear. Sometimes we take little steps and it’s a learning process. One thing I’ve learned about fear is that everyone battles it and it affects all of us differently. I’m not sure really if I want to share my fears just yet, because this blog is so fresh and new. It will certainly take me time to get used to the idea of being open here. Once you share something, those words can’t be taken back or erased. Sometimes that can be a good things and other times it can be terrible.

Courage can come in other forms than just facing your fears. It could mean standing up for something you believe in and not choosing to look the other way. It entwines with passion and want, need and love. I sit here and think, often times, we don’t allow our emotions to surface and maybe that is one reason why we become so out of touch with one another, the world and ourselves. If you never allow yourself to think, to feel, to sob, to laugh, giggle uncontrollably, rage and fume about something and let go of those emotions, they bottle up and eventually you burst. Everything in moderation and piece by piece we need to allow ourselves to brave our true selves.

So, can you let go? Let go of the fear, worry, sadness, all at the same time sharing the happiness, joy and pride? Will you allow yourself to share part of who you are instead of holding it all in? You never know, your actions may inspire someone else. Let go of the bad, share the good and let yourself truly be you.

I find myself thinking about this as I share this quote below. One day, things will never be how they are right this instant and they are now how they have never been before. Seize the moment.

“Today I will be thankful for all the pawprints on my floor & the slobbery kisses on my face & the hair on my clothes. For there will come a day when there is far too much room in our bed and these days will be profoundly missed.” -Anonymous