Quote of the day: “Every time life brings you to a crossroads, from the tiniest to the most immense, go toward love, not away from fear. Think of every choice in terms of ‘What would thrill and delight me?’ rather than ‘What will keep my fear—or the events, people, and things I fear—at bay?’ ” — Martha Beck, How to Stop Regretting Decisions

The time is now

Go toward love

Go toward love, not away from fear

One of the practices that has made all the difference in my life and my photography is the practice of looking forward towards what I want in my life,  instead of looking back and avoiding what I’m afraid of or what I don’t want.

Fear is a powerful force that can protect us and teach us. But it can also stop us in our tracks and keep us from what we desire most. When I talk about my Hawaii walk-about last winter, (I went by myself to live in Hawaii for almost 3 months and make photographs) I’m often surprised by people’s reactions.

go toward love

Elder in Hawaii

A few people get that bright-eyed look that says “Oh, how wonderful! I want to do something like that.”

But many more respond with a wide-eyed, fear-filled “I could never do what you did,” or “I’d never be brave enough to do that.” Some people even add the dreaded phrase “…at your age…” as if age has anything to do courage.

I was afraid of a few things before I went and during my trip but most of my fears were easily conquered. It had been a long time since I had traveled alone. I was concerned about whether I would be able to handle the physical challenges of travel, given my many years of chronic pain issues.

A Neighbor in Hawaii

A Neighbor in Hawaii

A few times I let my fear stop me from doing something, but if it was something that would “thrill and delight me” I usually found a way to step through the fear towards what I love. Sometimes it was as simple as asking myself, “What’s the worst thing that could happen?”  Often I asked simply, “If not now, when?” Those two simple questions and the knowledge that life is short provided the energy to overcome the inertia of fear.

Combining the questions with a willingness to experience discomfort and look stupid on occasion, and the trust that if necessary I could adapt and change my plans, gave me the courage to step through fear into delight and adventure.

What would thrill or delight you? Why not take one small step towards it today? If not now, when?

The sunrise I almost missed because of fear

The sunrise I almost missed because of fear

Hawaii Memories

Hawaii Memories

Story teller, hula dance in Hawaii

Story teller, hula dance in Hawaii

Ancient petroglyphs

Ancient petroglyphs

Sunlight in the temple

Sunlight in the temple

 

 

 

 


Marilyn

Photographer sharing beauty, grace & joy in photographs and blog posts. I live in the Twin Cites in Minnesota, the land of lakes, trees, and wonderful nature.

6 Comments

Leanne Chesser (@LeanneChesser) · August 8, 2013 at 4:13 pm

Oh, I’m definitely one of the bright-eyed ones who would love to do something like that. I have my own dream about traveling the world to learn about cultures and spirituality and write about it all.

    Marilyn · August 14, 2013 at 10:04 pm

    Great! It’s good to meet another person who loves travel and adventure as I do. Thank you for stopping by.

Deborah Weber · August 13, 2013 at 1:08 am

This is a great perspective. I think the “what’s the worst that could happen” is a very helpful question. It forces you out of that diffuse resistant place and asks you to consider concretely what really might happen. Confronting the shadow often moves it into a more realistic size.

I’m so glad you chose love over fear! And have wonderful photographs to celebrate it.

    Marilyn · August 14, 2013 at 10:05 pm

    Thank you. I’m still amazed at how this question dissolves fear and resistance so easily.

Michele Bergh · August 14, 2013 at 5:26 pm

I love your photos and your courage. The Martha Beck quote is great and has a special meaning for me. It is a habit to choose love over fear, one I am doing my best to create in my own life. Love with never steer us wrong.

    Marilyn · August 14, 2013 at 10:06 pm

    Ah. Yes. I agree – Love never steers us wrong.

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