Fear - Motivator or Inhibitor

Fear is a funny kind of emotion. It can cause us to behave in ways that are most unflattering. It can also cause us to change our lives, careers and goals in a good way. Some folks will immediately change a lifestyle that has caused a heart attack, yet others won't feel the need.

What is fear about? In the ancient days, when we were cave dwellers, the sense of fear truly was valuable especially where survival was concerned. As of late, I haven't been motivated to check out the backyard for things stalking me as a food source, so where does the constructive fear enter my life?

Am I afraid of changing the status quo because it will mean something will change? Change happens anyway, even if I try to avoid it. Am I afraid of becoming successful or more so? What will happen then? Lose friends, family, a way of being? If I am unsuccessful, will I lose friends, family, a way of being?

Am I operating with my own fear or do I borrow it from other sources like TV news, government press releases, talk radio, my family, friends, or business associates?

As a way of being, fear isn't healthy. It saps your will, strength and peace. So why give it so much power? Because we prefer to think the worst instead of the best. We are on the verge of death, destruction and mayhem or so we think ourselves into believing. Or we could enjoy that we are on our path, experiencing life, and manifesting our dreams. Or not.

Resolve to Change

Now that we have officially made it into the next year, I have taken some action on a few ideas, committed to some fundamental life changes, and embraced this new landscape of winter. It's what you do for the new year but this particular year is different. How so? I am committed to making some serious changes in my life.

First change ... laugh a lot. Every. Single. Day. Find the joy in living.

Second change, I like being involved with people who like to do stuff. I mean physically involved with doing something. I sit behind a desk for the better part of the day and it makes me anxious to get outside, head to the gym, or just take some breaks for my mental agility. While this may involve tasks like weeding the garden, rearranging the closets, what I am really talking about is getting some exercise. I used to ride horses and now I am riding the elliptical.

Third change, express myself in what I think, write and wear. I have been a little too dull on the wardrobe piece. I think the stats on the contents of any closet is that you wear only 20% of what is available. I have some great pieces of jewelry which don't seem to get worn too often. Time to mix it up.

Fourth change, keep learning and expanding my knowledge base. It keeps me mentally motivated.

So what have you planned for this year?