There's a soulful old tune that I remember because it was playing on September 11, 2001. "The Other Side of Fear" was a helpful refuge from the unthinkable madness of the day. Ms. Murray sings about how fear keeps us from experiencing love. Take a listen for yourself and ponder the message.
More recently, celebrity Will Smith spoke of his experience skydiving. In his comedic but very insightful recounting of his encounter with fear, he says that "on the other side of your maximum fear are all of the best things in life." Not just love, but all of the best things of life.
Is it possible that all of the best things of life are just on the other side of fear? That's probably a question that most of us have pondered. And there's no doubt that our fears are usually far greater than the imagined dangers we face. How many times have you broken through your fears only to ask yourself afterwards, "what was I so afraid of?"
So How Did You Do It?
As I consider the times in my life when I've faced my fears, overcome obstacles, and made life-changing breakthroughs, I ask myself how I did it. Was it just stumbling forward out of exhaustion? Was it because I'd learned some great truth or wisdom from some self-proclaimed guru? Or was it something else?
It was something else.
Those breakthroughs came when I connected to my own inner strength. It was when I saw clearly that what I wanted was "over there," and I would no longer be kept from having it. And if it was to be, it was up to me.
I've never been much of a hero worshiper. Yes, I believe we're stronger together. I know we can and do learn from and rely on others to help us along the way. But we are equals on the journey we call life. There are no gurus. There are no heroes. That is, except the very personal hero that resides within each of us. I am my hero, and you are your hero.
Be Wary Of Self-Proclaimed Saviors
So, it's no surprise then that I am immediately suspect of anyone who claims to
- have "the answers"
- be "enlightened"
- know what no one else knows
And, invariably, wants to sell something.
No, I'm not a cynic.
Because I do believe that most people are genuinely desirous of improving the human condition. Unfortunately, too often there's apparently too great a temptation for the ego and financial rewards of playing on the needs, emotions, and frustrations of those seeking answers.
Need A Primer - - But NOT A Hero?
If you're not yet ready to accept that you already have what it takes to get past your fears, that's okay. Listen to the words of one of the classics, such as Wayne Dyer. Or for a newly published read, pick up Love Is The Power -Moving Humanity From Fear To Love by Robert Williams. Williams shares a first-person account of his life-long quest for and acceptance of the natural powers that reside in all of us. It's a reminder that while we each walk a very different path, there are "miracles" available for all of us, if we'll only let go of our fears.
No matter how you get there, start YOUR journey. Yes, it's true that love, and all of your dreams and aspirations, are on the other side of fear.
I'm a serial entrepreneur, with a resume that makes me look like a Jane of all trades. Pretty sure we are all reluctant Messiahs, travelling through life planting seeds where ever we can. Hopefully, most of mine have been good ones! MA from Miami University (Ohio, not Florida), BA from Cal State.
