Have you been holding back on a dream? Is there something you’d like to give a shot?
I think we all hold back, don’t we? The thing is, most of us put off our dreams for one reason or another. And that reason is usually one form or simple manifestation of fear.
Then after we do start, we tend to start holding back from giving it our all and we don’t really know why.
Again, it’s usually some form or variation of fear that does it.
Sound at all familiar? Fear can be a chameleon and it can be completely stealth. Regardless, it stops us from moving forward far too often.
So, this thought occurred to me this morning while I was cleaning up the kitchen (surprised?) and pondering assorted fleeting musings…
This one stuck though…
We casually dismiss far more dangerous threats in everyday life than our dreams and desires ever begin to pose.
It started with a quote on the label of a wine bottle and my stream of consciousness took off from there. But you’ll have to wait, I’ll get to the wine later…
Let’s consider a few of those threats we readily face daily…
Driving a car can be dangerous, right? But we’re comfortable with it. That’s hardly a threat anymore, right? (Let me go on record though… I can’t wait for the day humans are no longer behind the wheel).
Shoot, if you believe the evening news, you’ll realize even eating can be dangerous. Yikes!
And what about the Coronavirus—the new global health crisis? Even though it’s halfway around the world, we have taken serious measures. Are you concerned? I am a little.
Not so much… “It’s over there.”
The Coronavirus is exceptional, it’s a big threat. Let’s consider some more common, everyday threats like the flu.
The CDC estimates there have been over ten thousand deaths from the flu so far this season. Yet so many of us proudly announce “I don’t get a flu shot.” Is it because we don’t equate the flu with anything more than feeling really crappy for a week?
And then, you either wash your hands or you don’t. In one case you may be accused of being a germ-a-phōb. The other is simple disregard of what most consider good advice.
Either way, you’re facing an everyday fear.
Wednesday morning, I dropped Lanette off at the Metro station. The place is always buzzing with activity, so I drive with extreme caution to avoid suburban commando bus drivers and maverick pedestrians.
As I’m leaving the compound, I’m pulling up to a three-way stop about to brake and roll through a right turn. A mere nanosecond later this guy, fresh from his morning workout from the gym on the corner… clad in the finest man-tights from Lulumon… phone in hand… buds in ears…
He steps right smack in front of me without even a hint of a glance or a care for his safety. As I stomp my brakes through the floor, my tires let out an audible screech.
Barely lifting his eyes from his screen, he gestures toward the white line of the crosswalk and walks on without breaking stride.
I’m telling you; this man fears not. The painted white lines have his back. Or do they? Let’s call this one an unhealthy disregard for fear.
Remember, fear has the power to keep us alive.
So, let me wrap this us with a question…
If we’ve managed to accept and live with most everyday fears about real potential for harm, can we learn to channel that kind of thinking to allow us to face the kind fears that hold us back?
I’m not suggesting it’s an easy thing. It’s clearly not.
But, if we don’t fear getting behind the wheel or walking down the street or eating a salad, maybe we can pick a fight with the resistance in our heads that holds us back from pursuing what matters most to us?
After all, our brains play tricks on us often enough, it just may be possible to reframe our thinking and get the upper hand. Turnabout’s fair play, right?
Let’s give it a shot? I think it might be worth a try. What do you think? You in?
The inspiration for this post came from an unconventional, yet delicious bottle of Exitus red wine.
So, what does a bottle of red wine and fear have to do with each other?
In a craft traditionally laden with rules that held the entire industry back for centuries, the Exitus tagline proudly claims to be “Bold and Fearless Wine Without Rules.”
Rounding out the label, the small print touts the timeless adage, “Ask forgiveness not permission.”
You’ll find this parting wisdom on the flipside label…
Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire”
– Unknown
Be untucked.
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