Mar 3, 2013

Acting Despite Fear

"What would you do if you were not afraid?" sign at office of Facebook, reported to be COO Sheryl Sandberg's favorite sign

What would you do if you were not afraid?  It is a question worth pondering.  If you were not afraid of the reaction of the caregiver, would you make other choices for your life?  If you were not afraid of the financial repercussions, would you arrange more help so that you had more freedom?  If you were not afraid of other people's judgment and criticism, would you live your life differently?  Fear is a real feeling and obstacle that prevents us from living our lives fully.  There are those who say there is really only fear and love.  That may be true.  We either make our decisions out of fear.  Or, we make our decisions out of love.  From which position do you want to live?  A helpful exercise is to consider in whatever situation we are afraid:  what is the worst possible thing that could happen?  It is usually much less fearful than what we have imagined, and it is usually something we can handle.  This practice is an effective tool for handling our fear. 

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