The will to battle, the bravery to do so

Chapter 161

Fear and anger rob us of the treasure of the present. This makes us afraid as we discussed in the last chapter, and fear is something that is difficult to manage and mitigate. Moreover it is closely related to anger. When we are afraid, we are also often angry. Angry that we are afraid. Angry that there are things to be afraid of, and angry that we feel powerless in the face of this fear or this change or both. And if we don’t handle this well, we will also end up with shame added to the emotional burden we are already carrying.

There are many other reasons to experience fear and anger, but these most often are the emotions that steal all joy and pleasure from the present, whatever the reason for them. And they are not easy foes to vanquish. Regaining your feet and moving forward once again, demands a type of bravery that is in short supply. Bravery that will take action based on how you think rather than how you feel. Bravery that will take positive action even when the feelings of fear or anger remain. As someone said, courage is not the absence of fear, but action in spite of it.

Turning anger and fear into positive action rather than negative action, is the most significant choice we can make. And it is a rare choice. Children absolute cannot do this and few teenagers can. Adults can, but is seems like they most often choose not to. Fear and anger can seem like a tsunami and that you are powerless to redirection it, but this is not true.

If you have the power to feel this tremendous emotion, then you also have the power to send it in positive directions.

Now it is a matter of will . . .