Every minute of every day, we are faced with choices that shape our lives. There are big choices related to our relationships, our beliefs, our work…and smaller choices (or so they seem) about what we will do with our day, with whom we will speak, how we will invest our time and energy. Our days might look very different if we consistently asked this question: “Am I making this choice from a place of love, or a place of fear?” If we began asking this question throughout the day, we might be surprised by how pervasive fear is in our lives.
A beloved relative recently told me, “The world is a scary place.” I smiled and carefully considered my reply. “I think the world is a beautiful place. And as I talk with you, I think about all the people who love you. Nature loves you. Look at those magnificent trees waving their leaves at you, listen to those birds singing for you. It is true that some people live in genuinely scary places, but you live here. Try not to focus on fear.”
We cannot and should not minimize fears of those who struggle to survive. Very fortunately for most of us, this is not our experience. The fears that haunt us are more likely to be fear of failure, of disappointment, of loss, or, surprisingly, of our brilliance that we hide from the world. I LOVE this Marianne Williamson quote “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us.”
As you make decisions today and this week, will you join me in asking this simple question, “Am I making this choice from a place of love, or a place of fear?”
This piece was originally posted on August 12, 2016 at SpiritChat
Love this!!!
Thank you! Sending love!!!
This couldn’t have shown up in my inbox at a better time – really important sentiment – thanks for reframing my thoughts!
Sending lots of live and a big hug, Lisa!
Thanks for these messages that help us refuell our souls
So happy to hear from you, Vilmarie. Sending a big hug!
Sharon
I often need a reminder that I am “in charge” of my thoughts and my feelings. Thanks very much for reminding me that my choices can be influenced by my fear. I will try to be more conscious of choosing love.
We all need reminders, K! Thanks so much for your comment, and for joining those choosing love.
Sending a big hug,
Sharon
This really resonates for me and I needed the reminder. Thank you Sharon!
When I get bogged down, I have to remind myself of the quote “fear is forgetting that everything is fine” – often times I lose that bigger perspective.
Thanks very much for taking the time to comment, N. We all “lose the bigger perspective” from time to time, and we can coach ourselves to remember that bigger picture.
Sending a hug,
Sharon
What a timely piece, Sharon. It seems every conversation I have lately is fear-based. “The thought of a Trump Presidency – now that’s a scary thought,” says one. “Zika – omg, how can anyone travel to Florida – so scary,” says another. And so on. You get the idea. I find myself asking, “What am I afraid of? What’s drviing my decisions and choices?” My fears are deeply rooted, but they are there just the same. And I’m tired of them. Your piece was a good reminder that I need to deal with them and move on. Thank you, Sharon!
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, Kate, and for sharing your recent experiences. I appreciate your candor and honesty. As you are tired of your fears, and I am tired of mine, let’s resolve to choose love instead!
Sending a very big hug,
Sharon