365 Days in Aspen

Fear

fear6Yesterday's post was about perspective. Today I'm talking about fear. 

Both topics are closely related, because fear is one of those emotions that is based in "time." 

In the same way that anger and resentment keep you anchored to the past, worry and fear are projections toward the future. 

Some people say that worrying doesn't solve anything. It just prevents you from enjoying the present moment. And to a certain degree I agree. But it can be a valuable emotion. A wake-up call to pay attention. To plan. To evaluate the options. To look before you leap. 

I'm currently in a slight state of fear about investing time and/or money on a new project I'm working on. Of, like the quote above (that came from me and my writing) suggests, feeling excitement wrapped in uncertainty. Will this venture be another trip to failure town? Another "learning experience?" Another opportunity to find out what doesn't work – instead of what does? 

stencil.facebook-post (55)Fear can be a paralyzer; stopping you from taking action. Or it can be a motivator; an impetus to take the leap. 

Fear is not a common emotion for me. I made this move with little trepidation. My only concerns were minor, like "will I be able to fit everything I want to take in my car? and "will this person come through with their promise to help me?" Not, "Will I be lonely or homesick?" "Will I regret the move?" 

This new "fear" is different. A combination of "Am I going to repeat the same failure patterns of the past?" with "How can I break the pattern" and "Will I be able to do this?" mixed in with "Is it possible that this move itself has broken the pattern and is now opening up opportunities that I might not have had if I'd stayed in the same place?"  

The quote to the right is from one of my books, and a good reminder for me to myself. When I'm afraid, I need to ask, "Who – or what – do I trust?"