Fear

"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain." ---Frank Herbert, Dune - Bene Gesserit Litany Against Fear

I consider fear the single largest culprit in people living lives less than they desired than any other issue today. When I look back on my life thus far, I realize that almost every chance I had to become and obtain exactly what I want in life was lost due to fear of some type. Once the weight piled on, the more fear took deep root within me. When I reached my defining moment two years ago, I vowed that I would never allow fear to paralyze my life again. Now, to me fear and confidence are two different issues. One can lose the fear and still not have the confidence necessary to carry yourself in a successful manner. This is where weight loss is paramount in conquering fear and regaining massive confidence.

There are two words that I have used recently that seemed a little silly. I have used these words to plant a seed that there is a possibility of something. Despite insurmountable odds and enormous obstacles, there is hope. I use these two words to portray the possibility of something great and wonderful. However, this evening my beautiful daughter asked me to rent the movie Letters to Juliet. In this movie, near the end they read a letter that really brought home what these two little words actually mean. They can be powerful when combined and if not pursued can be tragically haunting.

Letters to Juliet:

"'What' and ‘if’ two words as nonthreatening as words come. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life: ‘What if?'..."

"I don't know how your story ended. But I know that if what you felt then was love - true love – then it's never too late. If it was true then, why wouldn't it be true now? You need only the courage to follow your heart..."

"I don't know what a love like that feels like... a love to leave loved ones for, a love to cross oceans for... but I'd like to believe if I ever felt it. I'd have the courage to seize it. I hope you had the courage to seize it, Claire. And if you didn't, I hope one day that you will."

Those two words are seriously tragic when combined. Looking back on your own life, how many “what if’s” are there? I know my past life is full of them. My life since my defining moment and my divorce will never again be filled with “what if”. In order to live by design and assemble the life that you want for yourself, the life God wants for you. The life your family and friends want for you. All “what if’s” must be pursued and we need to make sure that we do not leave that issue unresolved. We must place fear, doubt and lack of confidence away and lock the door of that closet. Follow your dreams and live by design. Dissolve from your life all “what if” scenarios, go out, and conquer your world. I intend to and my first five items on my goal list will be pursued to the end. I will either reach them, obtain them, be part of them or perhaps I just may win the day. Either way, win or lose there will be no more what if scenarios for the rest of my life. It is my sincere hope you do the same. No matter what the topic is business, career, love, faith, geography, health, weight loss, or anything else you desire.

"Courage is the price that Life exacts for granting peace." ---Amelia Earhart

"Enthusiasm is the best protection in any situation. Wholeheartedness is contagious. Give yourself, if you wish to get others." ---David Seabury