Daily writing prompt

How do you handle fear and self-doubt?

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Huh.

Back in the day when I shared motivational thoughts with student-athletes, the topic of fear and self-doubt came up quite often.

Fear and doubt can be a sensation just as overwhelming alone as it is on a field surround by teammates, opponents and hundreds of spectators. It can be perceived as an inherently dual natured calamity; failing not just yourself, but all those around you. If there is a more potentially lethal double edged sword, I cannot offer one. A predicament that often leads to absolute failure.

Not trying.

This is cloaked by “self-assuring” monologue of sorts, one that is determined to convince you that you would have blown it anyways, so why even try? It wasn’t for you, nothing would come of it and hearing the chorus of “I told you so” externally and internally would make things even worse.

Mr. Shakespeare addressed this conundrum in a most succinct fashion.

“Our doubts are traitors,
and make us lose the good we oft might win,
by fearing to attempt.”

Essentially, self betrayal lay in the decison to avoid the attempt altogether. Losing in it the good to come for all, us included.

As a result, self treason doth never prosper.

Sorry for making it one of my coachisms, Mr. Harington.

At least I tried.

Daily writing prompt

What’s a moment that made you question reality?

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Interesting.

Reality is just what the name or word implies.

What is real.

Through the gift of grace, we are all afforded the choices inherent in free will. So despite circumstances being what they are, we are able to choose how we respond to them.

If our present state of being is abundant with adversity, we can choose to remain in the moment, discern the opportunity within and embark in that direction. Should we happen to find ourselves in the midst of accomplishment, success and the reward they bring, we can choose to remain in that fleeting moment, discern the potential for adversity in the form of poor choices and pursue an opposite and more sustainable tack. How about being plunked somewhere in the middle? Remain present and choose wisely.

Poorly executed free will in a garden led us all down a path of loneliness, angst and seperation. Years and years later, we made the very same mistake twice. No matter. The gift yet remains. In the form of unconditional, unremitting and unending love. No matter what.

NO MATTER WHAT.

A gift which is meant bring to life a heavenly reality.

Yet, what we choose to make real, is totally up to us.

The question of our will.

Daily writing prompt

What is the meaning of life?

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Well, for one thing, it is not a noun.

Life is a verb.

Forever in action. Many times traveling a multitude of paths, multiple directions or suddenly, seeming to come to rest. Every nuance, alteration, and conception isn’t random. They are meant for a reason. Though not always understood at the time.

And nothing is ever wasted.

You may elect to throw experiences into some heap labeled misgivings, misfortunes or mistakes. You may try to disguise them, disregard them or disrespect them. And yet, it was part of the curriculum. Its existence is essential. Textbook. And a part of the finishing.

Travelling back to reminisce and be reminded is prudent. But do not overbook your stay. Venturing ahead between your ears tends to distract from what is already right there in your midst. To be honest, how can you be where you aren’t already now?

Treat it as it is meant to be.

Lived fully right here and right now.

Yesterday is already a rerun. And tomorrow?

Well, it isn’t here yet.

We only have the here and the now.

And that should bring one plenty of life.

If you choose to live it.