Human fear is often based on uncertainty, but foreknowledge does not always ease the mind. It is often when our futures look brightest that our resolve crumbles and we veer off course, because success can affect us in complex and unpredictable ways. It can take us out of the status quo and push us into new circumstances that test our limits. Fear of the future is often closely intermingled with the fear that growing into your own potential will both change you irrevocably.
When we visualize the future, we tend to focus on outcomes rather than the steps we will take to reach those conclusions. Thus, we may forget that growth is progressive. It is important to remember, that most changes will be implemented into your life slowly and gradually.
Fear of the future can paralyze you, preventing you from living in the moment and from working toward your goals in a mindful manner. The key to conquering this fear lies in awareness. When you can identify the irrational thoughts that frighten you, you can replace them with logical, self-affirming ideas.
Each time you overcome your fear of the future, you chip away at its very foundations. Eventually, you will clear a gap through which you can gaze upon the future with unhindered optimism.
My Thoughts:
I have to say that I am a little blasé about my future and always have been. I tend to live in the present and not think too much about what will happen after that. I think it is because I have seen so many people with lifetime plans be cut-down long before they get to reap the rewards of their hard work. So, I tend to feel that to plan for later is a waste of a life.
There are far too many stories told of people that reach a time when they are in a position to glean the benefits owed to them for good planning, only to find that they never live long enough to enjoy them. My father worked all his life for a comfortable retirement and died of a heart attack in his late fifties. I had big plans with my last partner for when the children were grown, but he was murdered at forty-five. So, as far as I am concerned … what is the point.
how much you loved, how gently you lived,
and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.”
(Buddha)
I cherish the people around me and never take anything for granted.
Life is too unpredictable … and so too is death.