From FDR: “…let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is…fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” Well, yes. Sometimes our fears are named, reasonable, and justified; often they are not. I think if we name and accept them, we can turn our fears into positive energy. Fear goads us (flogs us sometimes), challenges us, forces decisions. It can paralyze because of its very unreasonableness. Take it by the throat, make it march forward with you and fear morphs into courage. Easy to say, hard to do but worth the effort.
I’m old enough now to take myself by the hand and face what comes, have lived through enough fearful events to know “I can do this!” And like you, I’ve learned to let go. It’s very freeing, yes?
Such a thoughtful post, J. I love the conversations that ensue :)
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