I have seen the moment of my greatness flicker,

And I have seen the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker;

And, in short, I was afraid.

T. S. Eliot
The Lovesong of J. Alfred Prufrock

Most of us do the best we can on a daily basis.  The problem is that our personal best changes on a day to day basis based on a lot of variables.  If you have ever suffered from what I refer to as "functional retardation" you know what I mean.

When we are under continual stress or dealing with a crisis situation, all sorts of biochemical changes occur in our bodies.  One of these is the release of the stress hormone epinephrine.

Our pupils dilate, our blood pressure goes up, our ability to communicate is reduced, our ability to compromise is reduced, and even the way we use language changes.   Although a lot of our normal functions are diminished, these are just the times when we may expect the most from ourselves.

One of the ways that we can call forth our personal best despite the circumstances in which we find ourselves is to work through fear.  Writer Frank Herbert referred to fear as "the mind killer" in his epic novel Dune.  Paraphrasing his statement and using it as a personal affirmation can be really helpful.

"Fear is the mind killer

I will face my fear.

I will let the fear pass through me

And only I will remain."

The important point of this statement is that fear comes, passes, and leaves.   It does not adhere to us unless we grab hold, hang onto, and internalize it.

Facing our fear may also involve embracing it and letting it go.  Looking it in the eye, acknowledging it, then setting it free as being something that is not solid or lasting but meant to pass through and on.

When we identify with our fears by making negative statements about ourselves, we have forgotten who we truly are.

Each of us is a precious one-of-a-kind event that is necessary for the world to move forward.  There is something that only we can do, a destiny that we create and fulfill for ourselves that impacts the whole.

We may not feel that we are worthy or entitled but that is simply a byproduct of fear and as unsubstantial. It simply is not true.

We have more impact on the lives of others and the way things play out than we can ever imagine.  We have more power than we can contemplate.  Perhaps understanding the magnitude of this is the greatest fear of all.  For then we understand that we are responsible for our own destiny and must let go of any thoughts of blaming anything outside of ourselves for who we are.

In reality, this understanding sets us free.  For though we rarely can control the situations that come to us in life or the word and actions of others, we can always control what we do with them.

Situations come to pass, they never come to stay.  And when we allow them to pass and disappear into the past like shadows, our vibrant spiritual selves remain, powerful in the present moment. That is the constant, the unchanging, in an ever changing world.

Have a great day and be good to yourself.  You truly deserve it!
 

Gail Pursell Elliott, "The Dignity and Respect Lady"©   Innovations  "Training With A Can-Do Attitude" ^TM   Box 552 , Roland , IA 50236-0552    515-388-9600  www.innovations-training.com   Promoting Dignity and Respect, No Exceptions.  In Companies and Communities Nationwide.

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