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I froze in my tracks. I had been enjoying a perfect Chicago day. The sun was sparkling on the water, the perfect foil for Chicago’s renowned architectural skyline. Bearing down on me was a mass of intensely, hurried people. There was nowhere to go. I was jostled, shoved aside, and nearly trampled. The rush hour had begun, and I was on the reverse commute.
It was as if I didn’t exist. I was just an obstacle in the way of getting to work and appointments. I smiled, no response. Tension was etched on almost every persons face. They were already at work in their minds, anticipating and creating stress even before they were in the work environment, unaware of the sunshine.
They were oblivious to everyone and everything. Could they be walking next to a potential client, business partner, or someone with whom they could enjoy a laugh? They will never know; so oblivious to the world around them. They are the “walking dead.”
“Walking dead” are everywhere. They are not present in the moment. Instead, they are mentally on to the next task, the next event, focused on frustration, anger, and have too many things to do. You can find them in traffic, at the supermarket, and even in your living room. Do you know one?
What is the benefit of being disconnected? What is the price of stress? Starting now, pay attention to the world around you. You may notice a stunning sunrise, initiate a new deal, meet an interesting person, or enjoy some unexpected laughter. Your life will be the richer for it.
Fearful or Fearless? Which would you choose? We may not realize it, but we make that decision almost every day. As much as fearless is the choice so many of us would like to make, it is the fearful decision that we so frequently employ. The price for that decision is high; often denying us of happiness that each of us so richly deserves.
What are those fearful decisions? We may want to start our own business, change careers, or relocate to a new city; but fear prevents us from taking the first step towards achieving those goals. It may be the lifelong wish to play the piano, or be an artist, write a book, learn a new language, ride a motorcycle or ski that we are afraid to fulfill.
Perhaps it is attending an art opening, party or Hip Hop event alone. For some changing hairstyles, clothing styles, or sampling new foods can be fearful experiences. The list is endless and as diverse as we are. The reasons we are afraid are just as diverse. The one commonality, those desires rarely go away.
Living a life of fearlessness empowers us to live a life with no regrets. By facing our fears, we begin to challenge and expand our boundaries and comfort zones and increase personal confidence about our abilities. This makes it easier and easier to live the life of purpose, passion and pleasure that we desire.
Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky says it succinctly, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Today, make a fearless decision. Take one small step toward that goal or dream. You won’t regret it.
Delighted to share that this post was picked up for content on Yahoo! Voices website:
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