“Fear is the number one obstacle we will face in life”
Adam Smith
Often times we are afraid and we do not realize that the very thing we are afraid of is exactly what we need to face.
Don’t be afraid to let go
There is a popular quote that says “It hurts to let go, but it hurts more to hold on. In my experience this is a true statement. We spend so much time crying over something or someone that we need to release the grip on anyways.
Take a moment and ask yourself…
Have you ever spent so much positive energy on a negative person?
Have you ever been so stressed and tired of a place or situation that it is silently killing you inside.
Think about how you would feel if you look beyond your fears and insecurities and just let it go. For the most part it is our comfortability and fears that have us tighten our grip.
We fear loneliness so we hold on to platonic friendships and toxic relationships
We fear budgeting and deprivation so we hold on to stressful and unappreciative jobs
We fear failure so we hold on to the coat tail of others and ride their wave
We fear change so we hold on to the past
We fear rejection so we hold on to old ideas
We fear being judged so we hold on to vulnerability
We fear hurt so we hold on to distant connections
We do not want to be uncomfortable, that scares us, and fear causes us to clinch our fists tighter. I imagined being on a roller coaster, for the first time, going up the steep hill anticipating the drop. Fear causes me to hold on tighter, to close my eyes,and gives me butterflies but I miss the true excitement of the roller coaster. Not to mention my hands were red from holding on so tightly. When I rode it the second time I knew what to expect. The second time I still had butterflies but I loosened the grip and did not close my eyes. This time I experienced the entire roller coaster and the excitement it had to offer. I raised my hands and laughed as I went through the loops and the turns. Due to the fact that, I loosen my grip, then let go, I realized I enjoyed the experience much greater than before.
Don’t be afraid to let go
Your next level of a greater experience is dependent on your letting go. You can start by loosening the grip.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go
Joshua 1:9 (NASB)