Again in today’s Wisdom Note, we want to explore why we should choose love over fear. Each day of life brings with it new trails of opportunities and challenges. Some trails are steep and rugged. Other trails are flat and smooth. While still other trails are a downhill slope.
Each type of trail has its advantages and disadvantages. We could choose to be fearful, and never take the risks in life that will help us to reach the summit where we can see for miles, but that wouldn’t get us very far. Instead, let’s ponder the 6 remaining reasons why we should always choose love over fear in order to create a living legacy that will light the path for others to follow.
7. Recognize that fear is an emotion.
Fear is to be expected when something huge is taking place, but love will allow you to push through those obstacles. Fear is a natural human emotion, and you should understand that everyone becomes afraid at different times in life. You’re normal and healthy if you encounter fear from time to time. But moving forward under the visage of love shows you that fear only creates obstacles through our own choosing. You have the capacity to look past those obstacles when harnessing love.
Famous basketball player Michael Jordan shares his own thoughts on overcoming obstacles, “If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”
8. Take a chance by doing what you love.
In the words of Jim Carrey, “You can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance at doing what you love.”
Jim Carrey delivers an excellent point about the battle between love and fear. Fear can keep you constrained within the belief that many things are “impossible.” Love is the key that unlocks the cage, showing you that it’s okay to mess up even when you’re pursuing what you love. I know that I mess up plenty, but we must continue on. Zig Ziglar put it this way, “Failure is an event, not a person. Yesterday ended last night and today is a brand new day.”
9. Love frees you to act with confidence and courage.
Love will be the driving force that activates courage and confidence during your journey. These two characteristics are not experienced or delivered when acting through fear. Even Helen Keller struggled with maintaining courage and confidence at all times, but she eventually reached this conclusion, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
Fear seeks to place limits on what you believe you can achieve; love will be the patient reminder that confidence in taking risks and courage to arrive at results is all you need to fight through failure.
10. Fear says, “I can’t be enough.” Love says, “I already am enough.”
Fear tries to stunt your growth and sell you lies; love returns to your door every day and knocks until you open it. Famous psychologist Albert Ellis reminds us that “The art of love is largely the art of persistence.” Stick with what you love long enough, and you will be able to accomplish.
11. Love creates new opportunities out of problems.
Even with the most detailed or precise plans, life sometimes throws us a curveball, and we are forced to make do under less-than-ideal circumstances. Fear attempts to tell you this is the end; love is confident and secure in its ability to derive fresh opportunities out of unexpected events. Desiring something strongly enough can keep us on the path of love and success. Personal-success author Napoleon Hill shared much wisdom during his time with one of his most famous quotes speaking about desire, “The starting point of all achievement is desire.” Let your educational or career desires create new opportunities that can powerfully alter the face of the world.
12. Love supports others and creates a more beautiful world through cohesion.
Ultimately, it takes every individual striving toward living in love to create a more beautiful world. Fear tries to keep people separated, discouraging beneficial and incredible collaboration. Love is the undying force that creates teams out of unassuming individuals and empowers each person to contribute his or her best. In the words of the famous speaker and author John C. Maxwell, “Teamwork makes the dream work.”
In his letter to the church in Ephesus, the Apostle Paul encouraged them in chapter 4 verses 2 and 3, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”
Even Jesus exhorted his followers with these words, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples,” John 13:34-35
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