A FEAR BASED REALITY

Our outer life will reflect our level of fear. If we approach every decision and every action with fear, and allow fear to stop us, then we are going to have a small life. If instead we try many different things and are constantly moving outside of our comfort zone, then our life will expand. If fear controls your life, instead of you controlling it, then it's time to deal with fear in a new way.

Most of us were taught from a very young age to follow the pack. Some people question things more than others. Some ask, why do I have to go to school, then college, then work, marry, have kids and retire? More and more people are challenging these beliefs. There are so many "givens" that we buy into. It takes a lot of courage and independence to walk the other way and to try things differently.

Fear is a natural part of the process of becoming an individual. We are unique beings that weren't really designed for the lifestyles that we live. That's what leads to, not only addiction, but also to overeating, using alcohol and pills to help us get through the work week, as well as exhaustion and many autoimmune diseases.

If you find yourself questioning how you live your life, don't stop the process. It's the beginning of an exploration that will take you very far. Don't turn to friends for validation, because you won't get it. They will tell you the things they were told, and the things that they have bought into, even though you see the pitfalls. Being yourself can be a very isolating experience because it means being different than what everyone has decided is the norm.


To live a fuller and more meaningful life we need to start questioning our definition of truth. Doing this can upset the equilibrium of our lives. That's why so many run from it. If you are a "truth seeker" be prepared for some rocky times ahead. Being true to yourself can sometimes mean taking actions that others won't agree with or like. Sometimes it can even seem selfish to those around us. If you are worried about a person's judgment of you then you better not enter into this.

The first step toward change is to evaluate what already exists. Look for one area in your life that stands out as needing attention immediately. Begin to formulate the new shape that it will take. Either form a picture in your mind, or a feeling in your body (or both).

Life is meaningless without the meaningful relationships that enhance it. It's important to be true to yourself and also stay connected to the human race. That requires a balancing act. What holds many of us back from pursuing our dreams is the fear of loss. Changing, growing and expanding often means losing people, things and lifestyles that we were unhappy living with. Letting go is never easy. Sometimes it is just the imaginary fear of loss. We might loss something or someone if we pursue this thing. Give a lot of thought to the things that you want to create in your life and ask yourself why you are going in that direction. Is it your heart or someone else's that is driving you?