I'm not much into jewelry. I always wear a watch and most always wear a pair of simple hoop earrings. Beyond that I'll maybe wear a subtle necklace, usually a Sterling silver chain with a small paw print charm.
It's rare that I shop for jewelry or similar accessories, but one night I was aimlessly searching the 'net and came across this necklace. It caught my eye because it's Sanskrit for "Fearlessness," a concept I've been thinking a lot about lately.
I am completely guilty of often letting fear dictate how I live my life. I've probably known this on a sub-conscious level for some time, but only recently have come to face up to it in an attempt to move through it. Fear is a powerful, powerful beast of a thing that manifests itself in all sorts of ways. For me, one manifestation is the need for control; a need to always feel like I have my ducks in row, know exactly what my next move will be, and know how best to maintain order, or quickly restore it when chaos ensues. I've learned that, when you grow up in an environment that's most politely described as, "chaotic," it's not uncommon to develop control issues. Perhaps this further explains why I've ended up spending several years working as a professional dog trainer. Ask any of the good ones -- they'll tell you we're all control freaks! Gee, and I thought I just loved dogs.
Thing is, at some point you (thankfully) come to realize that the fear is getting in the way of life - or at least the life you wish to have for yourself. I've spent much of my life making decisions based on what I thought others thought I should do or what I thought seemed to be the safest or most responsible choice, even if it wasn't what I really wanted to do. Or I'd talk myself out of what could potentially be a really cool thing, by playing a looped-tape of what-ifs in my mind. Stupid fear.
I bought the necklace and as I wear it, I hope it serves as a tangible reminder to not let fear interfere with life. We only go around once. No sense chickening out!
Thing is, at some point you (thankfully) come to realize that the fear is getting in the way of life - or at least the life you wish to have for yourself. I've spent much of my life making decisions based on what I thought others thought I should do or what I thought seemed to be the safest or most responsible choice, even if it wasn't what I really wanted to do. Or I'd talk myself out of what could potentially be a really cool thing, by playing a looped-tape of what-ifs in my mind. Stupid fear.
I bought the necklace and as I wear it, I hope it serves as a tangible reminder to not let fear interfere with life. We only go around once. No sense chickening out!
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified, terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." -- FDR, March 4, 1933
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