“Be not afraid.” –Jesus
For some people, fear can play a crippling role in life, and for others it barely registers on their radar. One of the cool things about children is that early on in their lives they live in a fearless manner. They teach us that even if danger is present, fear is a choice. Perhaps you remember that stage from your own children’s lives, or perhaps a niece/nephew’s experience. Stairs are an enticing playground, jumping off of things is a hobby, and band-aids cure all “owwies,” even if there is no broken skin. It’s only through their life experiences that they begin to hold on to fear. Sometimes it can be healthy, like in the form of caution. (Ex.- Learning caution around the stove because it can burn.) Other times it can be debilitating, like in the form of phobias, or anxiety.
For some people, fear can play a crippling role in life, and for others it barely registers on their radar. One of the cool things about children is that early on in their lives they live in a fearless manner. They teach us that even if danger is present, fear is a choice. Perhaps you remember that stage from your own children’s lives, or perhaps a niece/nephew’s experience. Stairs are an enticing playground, jumping off of things is a hobby, and band-aids cure all “owwies,” even if there is no broken skin. It’s only through their life experiences that they begin to hold on to fear. Sometimes it can be healthy, like in the form of caution. (Ex.- Learning caution around the stove because it can burn.) Other times it can be debilitating, like in the form of phobias, or anxiety.
As we grow older, if we are not vigilant of our minds, we can fall into the black hole of fear. Suddenly we are living, and making decisions, not from a place of love and exuberance for life, but from fear of future consequence. Those who give generously of their time, talents, and resources are giving from a place of love. Children tend to give this way, especially if they’ve learned about sharing. (My nephew Alex loves to offer me bites of his ice cream, and giggles each time I pretend to eat.)
Fearful people are not happy people. Worry weighs heavy on the heart, and it paralyzes any bit of kindness from escaping. First, take not of how a decision really feels deep down. If it fills you with warmth, it’s probably the right thing to do. If not, ask yourself, “Why does this feel off? What am I afraid of?” Sometimes it's not so simple, as we can feel both concurrently. In which case you really need to break things down, and look deeper into the heart of your decision. So, as you decide how you will give of yourself and your resources in 2014 (in all arenas) consider where you’re coming from; a place of love, or a place of fear.
Peace, Love, and Laughter,
Emily
Fearful people are not happy people. Worry weighs heavy on the heart, and it paralyzes any bit of kindness from escaping. First, take not of how a decision really feels deep down. If it fills you with warmth, it’s probably the right thing to do. If not, ask yourself, “Why does this feel off? What am I afraid of?” Sometimes it's not so simple, as we can feel both concurrently. In which case you really need to break things down, and look deeper into the heart of your decision. So, as you decide how you will give of yourself and your resources in 2014 (in all arenas) consider where you’re coming from; a place of love, or a place of fear.
Peace, Love, and Laughter,
Emily