Early January I heard the following statement:
"Our limitations are self-inflicted."
Though these profound words were said in the context of doing science, they do ring a bell even in our daily lives. One can say that if you let distractions like gossip, worries, jealousy, and even success affect the way you function, then these are limitations that you have created yourself. In my opinion, however, not everything that stops us from moving ahead is of our own doing. For instance, certain health issues crop up sometimes due to a family history or simply out of nowhere. The world economy crumbles and the jobs once considered secure, are lost. Your best laid plans fall flat for no fault of yours.
In comparison I feel our fears are perhaps always self-imposed. A classic example is my fear of dogs since school days (see an old post on it here). Now well into my 30s, I am still not prepared to overcome this phobia. Even today I will do everything possible to keep the longest distance from stray dogs on the streets. On a more serious note, there can be other deeper fears, such as a fear of opening your heart to love, a fear of commitment, a fear of abandonment, a fear of losing someone dear, a fear of falling short of people's expectations, etc. that can hold you back from finding happiness and peace.
When I discussed this topic of fears with a colleague I met during a conference, she said that in her opinion our fears can also keep us safe. The fear of getting duped, robbed, assaulted or raped can force us to be more aware of our surroundings, to not be naively trusting and to take certain precautionary measures. Indeed it may be one such step that could ultimately protect us from an untoward happening. However, the unease lurking in our minds can also bind us, curtail our independence and hinder us from what we might otherwise be capable of achieving were we living in a utopian world.
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Image (top) source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/madhanac
“All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.”
ReplyDeleteRelease the fear!
Nice quotation. Please keep visiting my blog.
DeleteI will, visit mine if you've got the time.
DeleteWell said. The secret of success lies perhaps in achieving that delicate balance...
ReplyDeleteThank you Daddy.
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