Discovering the Way to Walk Out of Fear – Part Ten

Discovering the Way to Walk Out of Fear – Part Ten

 

I have an acquaintance that is a newspaper columnist. Every week for years, she has been writing a column titled, “Think On These Things.” She intends for every thought-provoking article to lead readers in an inspiring journey to better themselves through positive interactions. Her formula works. What a man thinks about himself, he eventually becomes whether -- negative or positive.

 

The newspapers and television reports are full of stories of people who take out their feelings of unworthiness on others through acts of violence. There are daily reports of people who attempt to take their own lives because the effort to survive just didn’t seem worth it any longer.

 

I’m here to tell you Life is worth it. Episodes of violence, depression, and anxiety are all symptoms of how you see yourself. You have to make a quality decision to have a better life. It’s all up to you.

 

When I finally decided that I was tired of feeling the pain of rejection, guilt, and shame, life started taking on a whole new meaning. I’m not saying it improved overnight, but my decision to make the change started the ball rolling.

 

I encourage anyone who is wrestling with feelings of unworthiness to take another look in the mirror. A devoted friend once told me, “It’s never too late to reclaim your life.” Life is full of second, third and fourth chances.

 

There is a passage in the Bible that says, “Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” How many times have we seen that to be true? How many times has it seemed like the sun would never shine in our life again, and yet it did?

 

I’ve raised four children, founded, owned and operated my own business, interviewed hundreds of influential people, written several books, became the host of my own television show and walked through many volatile doors that some will never enter. Most of my life has been a scary roller coaster ride, but I made it and I’m here to tell my story of survival and restoration. I only hope that others can learn from my mistakes and continue their journey with renewed enthusiasm for all the great things that are in store for their future.

 

Several years ago, I told someone that I wished I was farther along in my journey of self-discovery – I felt like I had wasted too many years of my life. The person I was addressing said, “No, you are right where you are supposed to be.”

 

I didn’t accept that statement then, and I don’t now -- life isn’t supposed to be devoured by mishaps and fearful events. Oh, it’s true that where we are is right where we are supposed to be if we don’t know any better. However, I look forward to the day when young people in crisis situations receive the tools they need to rescue themselves sooner than later. I’m waiting for the day when teenagers and young adults have the courage to stand up on the inside and stay standing. I long for the day when they can laugh at themselves for making mistakes and use them as learning tools. It will be a wonderful day when they can say “no” to others who are only there to harm them and “yes” to those who desire to teach them great truths.

 

Even in the midst of a world that seems overly chaotic at times, this journey through life has the potential to be exciting and wondrous. Bad things happen to good people, but the mishaps don’t have to defeat them. Examine yourself and see what changes need to be made in order to live a more fulfilled life.

 

Action steps to take now:

 

1.    Speak only the truth about yourself.

2.    Don’t allow negative thoughts to invade your soul.

  3.  When times are tough, rehearse your victories. They will give you strength.

  4.  You deserve to be happy, so let it happen.

  5.  Don’t allow yourself to be ridiculed and mistreated.

  6.  Look for the silver lining in all situations.

  7.  Go where you are celebrated not just tolerated.

  8. Give yourself time to grow into the shoes only you were meant to wear. You were created for greatness; don’t settle for mediocrity.

  9.  Above all, develop a “NO FEAR” attitude.

Decide once and for all that you are a good person who is worthy to be acknowledged, respected, and loved.

 10. Remember, It’s not over, until you WIN!