....And They Flew

POINT TO PONDER:
 
“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dream.” - Paulo Coelho  
 
 
STORYLINE:
 
“Come to the edge,” he said. 
They said, “we are afraid.”
“Come to the edge,” he said. 
They came. He pushed them...
and they flew.” *   -Unknown 

 REFLECTION by Rajiv Shah

Two voices live within all of us - one of possibility and one of fear. One often dominates the other and it is often fear that wins. It’s safer and more predictable. It hedges the bets before they've even been made. It lives in us all, a seeming friend concerned about our well-being, whispering to us whenever we move into the unknown. When we dare to push the limits of our capabilities and the breadth of our power, it comes to our side. It wants us to play safe. It feeds on our insecurities and cultivates our failures. It uses disappointment against us, putting it on display whenever we begin to strive for something greater.

We listen to this voice when we push back our hopes and dreams. Fear works from a negative – from something being taken, from not being control, and most dangerous - not being good enough. If that is the voice we choose and that is what we put out – then that is exactly what we will get back in return.

What if we chose the opposite? Try it. It's scary as hell. Do something you've wanted that means a lot to you and that you've been putting off. Start small. It could be anything – making a phone call to someone you think is important, smiling at people even though they may not smile back, getting to the gym, or taking that first step to pursuing your dreams. The beauty is that positivity works the same way, the more you put out and the more will come back. 

See if that voice comes in. The one that tells you that it's silly, that it won't work, and that it's not for you right now. Pay attention to what it says and to why you will or will not listen anymore. I almost guarantee that it will be there every step of the way. The choice will be yours whether you give in to it. 

* in the original post of May 2010, the reader microCEO pointed out that the storyline quote was not by the person mentioned so the name removed  

Posted at 09:06 PM in 6. Take Risks | Permalink

POINT TO PONDER:
 
“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dream.” - Paulo Coelho  
 
 
STORYLINE:
 
“Come to the edge,” he said. 
They said, “we are afraid.”
“Come to the edge,” he said. 
They came. He pushed them...
and they flew.” *   -Unknown 

 REFLECTION by Rajiv Shah

Two voices live within all of us - one of possibility and one of fear. One often dominates the other and it is often fear that wins. It’s safer and more predictable. It hedges the bets before they've even been made. It lives in us all, a seeming friend concerned about our well-being, whispering to us whenever we move into the unknown. When we dare to push the limits of our capabilities and the breadth of our power, it comes to our side. It wants us to play safe. It feeds on our insecurities and cultivates our failures. It uses disappointment against us, putting it on display whenever we begin to strive for something greater.

We listen to this voice when we push back our hopes and dreams. Fear works from a negative – from something being taken, from not being control, and most dangerous - not being good enough. If that is the voice we choose and that is what we put out – then that is exactly what we will get back in return.

What if we chose the opposite? Try it. It's scary as hell. Do something you've wanted that means a lot to you and that you've been putting off. Start small. It could be anything – making a phone call to someone you think is important, smiling at people even though they may not smile back, getting to the gym, or taking that first step to pursuing your dreams. The beauty is that positivity works the same way, the more you put out and the more will come back. 

See if that voice comes in. The one that tells you that it's silly, that it won't work, and that it's not for you right now. Pay attention to what it says and to why you will or will not listen anymore. I almost guarantee that it will be there every step of the way. The choice will be yours whether you give in to it. 

* in the original post of May 2010, the reader microCEO pointed out that the storyline quote was not by the person mentioned so the name removed  

Comments

[By FR Team Comments from the previous publication of this reflection]

Jason
This is a good article, I totally agree that positivity works the same way, the more you put out and the more will come back.

I start to practice yoga at home every night, not too much or too professional, but the importance is to get start, take the first step and be consistency, also I started to reading some book every day, although there is no too much time for reading like when in school, but I still can find some time after work, such 15 minutes and 30 minutes will be accumulated and I got something learned from the books.

Take care. J
Posted by: Jason | May 06, 2010 at 09:49 PM

Student of Yours
GREAT one - I like this! It's all about dream and go for IT! You wont have many chance in your life.....voice from the opposite of fear.

As quoted by Paulo Coelho-"If you have a dream, the universe will conspire to help you achieve your dream"

Posted by: Student of Yours | May 06, 2010 at 10:24 PM

Melanie
So true but so difficult to follow. There is so much Fear injected in us from childhood.
Thanks for sending good thoughts m

Posted by: Melanie | May 06, 2010 at 11:14 PM

micro CEO
Very well put. (Actually, the poem quoted is not by Apollinaire, as Wikiquote attests.)

This essay is a wonderful invitation to adventure and trying new things. Thank you for this reminder to take risks sometimes. I think we need a constant reminder. As the title of a famous play goes, "You can't take it with you".

Posted by: micro CEO | May 07, 2010 at 03:52 AM

Desai
1st of all, yap, apple don’t fall too far from its tree! He is your kid alright. Good job Rajiv in this week reflection.

As Rajiv said “….choice will be yours whether you give in to it.” I too believe as Rajiv said, and have experienced in life so far that, you do get what you ask for. If you keep being negative and only think of what’s not possible, then that not-possible is what end-up happening. When in oppose, if you are being positive and ask for it and strive for it, you will get those positive outcomes.

Posted by: Desai | May 07, 2010 at 05:18 AM

Anon
FDR's address to the nation in 1932; during the great depression.
So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory.

Posted by: Anon | May 07, 2010 at 05:47 AM

RD
The other day a senior executive who had taken charge of new department was sharing his observations. He said that many people are afraid to try new idea. they keep imagining all kinds of things that could go wrong. Instead if they spent just a little time thinking what would it take to get it right and just try it, they would go a long way.

Posted by: RD | May 07, 2010 at 06:01 AM

Sam
Excellent article. Once we realize this little voice which prevents us from change, can be overcome.. there is literally no limits to where we can fly!

Posted by: Sam | May 07, 2010 at 06:27 AM

BH
Your weekly messages are very good .. thank you for sending these.

Rgds
BH
Posted by: BH | May 07, 2010 at 06:40 AM

Tek Takahashi
Remember scene from movie Coming to America. Eddie Murphy propose to the girl in train with passenger watching. She is afaid and not answering.
A lady passenger in train tell her "take chance baby. Just Say YES.
Posted by: Tek Takahashi | May 07, 2010 at 06:57 AM

California Guy
This reflection reminds me of a speech titled "Crisis of Confidence" delivered in 1979 by Jimmy Carter, former USA president. Many concepts in that speech are still very much relevant today: Voices of the Nation, Energy, Wall Street, Leadership vs. Politics-as-Usual, Erosion of Confidence, Face the Truth, Stop Crying and Start Sweating, etc.

The speech can be found at http://www.cartercenter.org/news/editorials_speeches/crisis_of_confidence.html.

Posted by: California Guy | May 07, 2010 at 08:17 AM

NJ
Fear of failure is one's greatest enemy. Lack of failures means one has not tried hard enough.

Posted by: NJ | May 07, 2010 at 08:52 AM

Madhuri Narkhede
I share several of the FR stories/quotes with my sons. Much as I like this one- I may not. The 15 yr old always tells me I am too scared to let him go. He thinks he is the voice of possibility and mine the voice of fear. And "do what you have always wanted to do?-That to him is getting an "Aum" tattoo! I am constantly told that he is an outstanding soccer player. So any thoughts on how I can change the Tattoo dream to "playing for Notre dame " dream? :)

Posted by: Madhuri Narkhede | May 07, 2010 at 10:14 AM

SG
Good article by Rajiv..It was timely today as we were talking about change in the OBT class and the fear in our mind is the most significant issue

Posted by: SG | May 07, 2010 at 05:14 PM

BST
Thank you….I understand the meaning and you have been telling me this since last December….it is really a tough decision as you stated. Hope we will chat more

Posted by: BST | May 07, 2010 at 07:15 PM

From a friend
I love these quotes. Thanks for sending me.
Posted by: From a friend | May 07, 2010 at 07:16 PM

lee cassam
I do love all your quotes and stories i am very fortunate to have met you i share these with my sons and lots of friend and younger folks this is a important thing we can do is share our stories always a pleasure

Posted by: lee cassam | May 09, 2010 at 06:15 AM

RV Rajan
This is true..however, how do we get out from fear for someone whom had been in that situation for a long time. The fear portion might be even considered as "Comfort Zone" for someone whom had not tried to come out.

Posted by: RV Rajan | May 09, 2010 at 06:54 PM

Eastcoast
I always enjoy your postings. Gives me a reason to pause, to think, to reflect and being Irish, to have guilt.

Posted by: Eastcoast | October 14, 2012 at 07:57 AM

YB
beautiful! I like this …we need to conquer our own fear and …start small…we will eventually fly

Posted by: YB | October 14, 2012 at 09:02 PM

chiaoju
Fear will continue to be around us whether we like it or not. It is up to us to develop that strength and will power to push fear aside and jump off that cliff, plunging into that world of changes and unknown. It is to have the guts to ask for the things you want rather than sit and wait for that opportunity to arise.

Fear gets to us. But I believe the human mind is greater than anything. If only we have better control over our mind.

*note to self* :)

Posted by: chiaoju | October 14, 2012 at 11:08 PM

[Humble Warrior]

F- false
E- evidence
A- appearing
R- real

[Asha]

Thanks Anand for sharing. It is very true. Fear certainly holds us back from being positive. It’s quite hard to train the mind to be fearless.
Buddha talks about getting rid of the fears.
Thanks again,
Have a wonderful day.

[Anita Joshi Vaidya]

I really needed to read this today!

[sujat]

Our ego helps preserve our body and individuality, but like any protective wall does, ego also confines us within its boundaries. It keeps us imprisoned.

I like this post by Rajiv. 😊🙏