This content comes from chapter one of ‘Why Not?’
I chose to speak on these two emotions because fear cultivated the mindset of many people that I was raised amongst and pain followed suit as the second tier. Don’t get me wrong, I was fortunate to witness love expressed throughout my upbringing, but it was these two emotions that placed the most restrictions on some of the most incredible minds from making progress.
From my vantage point, these fears were inherited from previous generations. They were passed on and there was rarely if anyone who dared to challenge them. This in turn created the world of anxiety crippling a person no matter how ambiguous the scenario would appear.
I now recognize these traits in adults I’ve interacted with. They display apprehension when they’re exposed to something outside of their comfort level. Similar to when a child is introduced to something that frightens them. But as an adult, there’s a different response that it’s evolved into. They’ll use the comfort of their surroundings or laziness to mask their fear. I watched as someone used layer upon layer of excuses as to why they’re the victim of circumstances but in reality, it stemmed from their aversion to stepping outside of their boundaries.
But it’s not only the fear that they were cognizant of, it was the potential of pain that would also follow with the experience.
The clear difference between the two is that pain is real. As I previously stated, fear is generated when a person has no knowledge, comprehension, or understanding of what is happening. Pain, on the other hand, leaves you a memory of being scarred and is a constant reminder. It’s the hot stove you touched as a kid, the scrape on your knee when you fell off of your bike when you were learning to ride, or it’s the first real heartbreak you suffered.
All of these experiences are necessary in order to provide you with a perfect balance but you must concede to pain and allow it to become a part of your life.
Once I conceded to pain, I became able to tap into my true self. Initially, what was a terrifying experience, became liberation. My pain & fear were opportunities for growth and understanding which helped me maintain a healthy perspective.
Comments