“Our Deepest Fear”
It may be common to feel fearful when it looks like we have no control. But in some situations, it’s also tempting to claim we have no control because it seems to free us from responsibility. If we’re helpless, the situation is hopeless, and nobody can expect us to do anything about it.
Now certainly there are circumstances which are truly and absolutely beyond our control. But I think that sometimes we default to a helpless/hopeless posture when we face circumstances that are tough but possible. And to be honest, I find that thought even more frightening. “If I had only tried a little harder” is a phrase filled with regret.
So when things look tough and MIGHT even be impossible, the only way to avoid those regrettable words – “what if” – is to honestly, earnestly give it our best! And if after giving it our honest best, we are not successful, at least we know we tried. We needn’t feel that regret.
There’s no shame in falling short, especially when we really give our all. If you’re battling an addiction, I already know you’re brave folks. Hang in there and give it your all and let me know how we can help.
Here’s the entire quote again:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
― Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love
