No Fear...

I had a conversation with friends recently that made me consider the way I live – the way I think I’ve always lived. I guess I never realized it was all that unusual. I suppose it is (and I don’t know why I’m surprised that I’d be slightly left of normal).

It all started with a bit of drama in the room in which we were standing. We were all enjoying the band, having a great time, when an unexpected brawl happened. I took a step back, watching what was occurring a couple of feet in front of me. I watched the scene play out – curious about the characters involved, wondered about the catalyst  that led to the moment. I wasn’t afraid. I was curious and interested, but not afraid. In the aftermath, my friends checked on me, making sure I was okay. I said I was fine and mentioned that I was too lazy to be afraid.

Looking back, I think that’s always been my approach in life. It takes fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown. I’m cool with that. I smile because it’s easy, sure, but also because it’s often contagious. That’s a virus I’m happy to spread. I understand that energy breeds energy so it makes sense to me that feeding the positive leaves less nourishment for the negative.

Why would I exhaust myself with anger, sadness, or worry when laughing, chatting, and smiling is more fun? Joy breeds joy. Laughter breeds laughter. Light conversation opens doors to deeper human connections. Strangers become friends. Who doesn’t want more friends?

I know, I know. So many people keep their circles tight and don’t want to let too many others in. “How can you know who to trust? What if they hurt me? What if they let me down?” To that, I say those thoughts are based in fear. I choose happiness over fear. Happiness is based in love and love has no space for negativity. There’s safety in an open heart.

Obviously, I have some responsibility to my open heart. That’s why I also have open eyes and an open mind. If I open my imaginary door to someone who is ill-intentioned or is looking to take advantage, I trust my open eyes and open mind to sense that and see it coming, so I can step away unscathed. So far that has always worked well for me, and I don’t see any reason to stop. I will continue to take the road less travelled. I’ll continue to see the path ahead of me and, if there are snakes or wild animals, I’ll slow down and assess the best route to take while also observing their beauty from a safe distance. Then keep on skipping down the road.

Life delivers plenty of unwelcome scenes. Maybe it’s an unexpected barroom brawl, maybe it’s a fender bender, maybe it’s an illness. Whatever negative thing crosses your path, there’s no room for fear. Greet every day with a pleasant nod, stay focused on your environment, and trust that your smile has more power than you realize and that positivity  is the easiest way to ride through any storm. Skipping and smiling doesn't hurt.