**This is something I blogged last year, but wanted to share it again**
If you haven’t noticed lately, there is a lot of fear out there! If you have any exposure to the radio, television, internet, neighbors, friends, co-workers, or people on the street, I am sure you have heard how afraid you are supposed to be right now.
Yesterday, I was told by a well-intended person how scary it is that Gottschalks AND Ross are closing their stores. I asked her why it was scary. She said she didn’t know, but that it meant the economy was getting worse and things were really bad. I suggested she be grateful that she doesn’t work for Gottschalks or Ross.
A few days before that, I was in the line at the market behind a man who was bad-mouthing the government and going on about what “horrible times” these are, as the checker nodded in agreement. I thought for a moment that I should be worried. Then I noticed that the man seemed to be dressed well, and had no problem paying for his groceries. It was one of the most beautiful days I have EVER seen. We were standing in this huge store filled to the brim with food and supplies. Everyone around me appeared to be in good health. As far as I could tell, no one had weapons and our lives weren’t being threatened. Horrible?
There seems to be a fret-n-worry mentality spreading like wildfire. I understand why. I also understand that if we want things to be different, we need to start paying attention to different things.
How can we exist in these unsteady times without feeling at least a tinge of fear, let alone overwhelming panic? My answer is this: Fall in LOVE.
It is said in the Bible that true love casts out fear, and I know that this is true. Think of a time when you were falling in love. It seems that in the midst of love, there is no space for fear or panic. Your focus is on the object of your affection. The love that you are experiencing fills you with a sense that all is well, and it is. Sometimes you fall in love with some-thing, instead of some-one. Have you ever fallen in love with a hobby, or an idea, or a job, or a pet? It doesn’t matter what or who you love, as long as you love.
Whatever you focus on, expands. It’s a law. If I send you to the park and ask you to look for blue birds, what happens? You will find blue birds! Do you think you will notice the red birds, or the black ones? Sadly, you may miss those. Why? Because I have set you up to only notice blue birds.
Likewise, if I ask you to notice how rude people are when you are in town today, guess what? People will be rude to you. If you are expecting to meet friendly people, they show up as well. It works. Try it.
This is my challenge to you. Whatever your situation, try to take a few minutes out of every day to fall in love again. Find a hobby you love. Spend time with someone you love. Do something that YOU LOVE! It could be listening to your favorite music, or walking on the beach, or snuggling your kitty. You can even try closing your eyes and imagining the person or thing that you love. The more you practice this, and spend time in your feelings of love, the less fear you will experience.
I find when I become fearful, I forget how to love. I lose appreciation for the people and the blessings in my life. But when I am in love, I forget how to be afraid. Just Love.
