Fear and the Good Stuff

COVID and this pandemic year has exacerbated a lot of fears. When you have massive uncertainty on a global scale, fear makes sense…

What is going to happen?

When will we feel safe?

When will we know that everything is going to be OK?

The answer is that we don’t know what’s going to happen, we are never entirely safe, and there is never going to be a time in our life when everything is OK.

And this isn’t just the case this year. This has always been the case. This will always be the case. Uncertainty and change are the constant of our lives. Even though people spend a lot of time trying to control outcomes, force agreements, litigate relationships, and lock down job contracts, the truth is that every moment is uncertain.

In the face of uncertainty, most people end up in fear. It is normal and human.

You could also choose faith.

I’m not talking about faith in an organized religion.

I’m talking about faith in yourself.

You can take action to make things happen for yourself.

You can take steps to ensure your own safety.

You can learn tools to manage your mind and life when things aren’t OK.

You can reach out for help if you can’t handle something.

You can connect to community for support, laughter, and love.

You can do this.

You can do fear.

You can do uncertainty.

You can do vulnerability.

You can do despair.

You can do grief.

You can do heartbreak.

You can do this.

Faith in yourself means knowing that you can handle anything that comes your way. It means you know there are people out there who will team up with you if you need support.

My friend’s mother is scared she will end up in the hospital because of COVID and no one will take care of her dog. Apparently, her dog is an asshole.

You know what? She could end up in the hospital because of COVID. And someone would take care of that asshole dog. Because we’ve all been assholes. And we understand when assholes need help. And there may be unkind human beings out there, but if you are in trouble, even the biggest asshole will help you. And your dog.

Do you have faith in yourself? Will you take steps to make things happen? Will you stand up for yourself and seek out the best for you and your life?

You can always cower in fear. Hide. Isolate. Disconnect. Not believe that other people will love you. Give in to the fear that says you’re an asshole and no one cares.

There’s your choice: fear or faith. Or some heady combination of the two. I vacillate. I wonder sometimes.

I am afraid many times. And then I remember: I can do this.

Beautiful reader out there: You can do this. You can handle this. You can reach out when it gets really bad. Someone will take your hand. Trust in the hearts of other people. Even if you’re an asshole, you are worthy of love and help. And reformed assholes are some of my favorite people! So emotionally intelligent!!! Your future could be awesome.

I believe in you. Join me. Loving you out there! XO