Fear and Faith

Fear and Faith.

This week I have had enough. Enough of Covid19, enough of soul-numbing politics, enough of horrific wildfires, and hurricanes, and enough of isolation from friends and family. Enough already 2020, I’ve had enough of you!  The feeling of frustration had seeped into me like the smoke of the wildfires seeps into everything.  

Finally, I stopped and faced my fears and took control of my emotions. Instead of watching the news I went back to my morning routine of meditation, walking, inspirational readings, and having faith that the world will continue to spin, and the sun will continue to rise.

I have learned the more I face my fears and keep moving forward, taking action in harmony with my values and integrity, I emerge stronger.

Fear is normal.  Fear is helpful.  Fear is an emotion that says “Hey! Take notice of this, something’s up!”.  Don’t ignore fear…Ask “what are you trying to tell me?”

The Stockdale Paradox is a concept that was popularized by Jim Collins in his book Good to Great. James Stockdale, Vice-Admiral of the Navy was a Vietnam prisoner of war for 7 years said of that experience:

"You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end — which you can never afford to lose — with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be."

We are in an ultra-marathon with Covid19, not a regular marathon.  We will get through this, but we have a way to go.

When you feel the fear and your mind is racing around in circles over and over…STOP.  Pause. BREATHE…and say: I WILL prevail! I have faith. I will prevail…Then  Ask yourself:

”What is the reality here?”,

“What am I afraid of?”,

“What do I need to do next?”

You’ve got this. You are strong, you are kind, you are resilient, and you are loved.

In the meantime, don’t forget to breathe.  Be kind, to yourself first and take one step, one hour, one day at a time.