Two Fears that All Other Fears Stem From

Fear can be boiled down to two things……….fear of not being enough and fear of not having enough. The fear of falling short and the fear of running out. Doug Wekenman 

This made me scratch my head as I thought of the fears I share with other moms that our children be safe, make good choices and live happy lives. But in those fears like all other fears at the core is our fear that we weren’t mom enough to protect, encourage and guide them. So yes, I get that the fear of being enough is all inclusive. That we are enough to be included not excluded. That we will be supportive and encouraging rather than judgmental and condemning. Throughout life it is a goal to continue to grow into our best self while shedding our negative traits. 

Then there is the fear of not having enough. Each of us just needs to open our drawers and walk into our closets to know that we gather much more than we need to not run out. That is why big box stores exist and our doorsteps are filled with Amazon boxes. But we don’t just want to assure we won’t run out of stuff but of relationships, experiences, and time. None of us would sign up to live five less years or without one of our chosen loved ones. We hold tight to what we have and what we hope for. 

When we are taken care of and fill filled with enough inside and out we can then take care of others through generosity. Our generosity of our hearts and our stuff. It is not necessary to give away every piece of clothing but do we really need sixteen jackets and forty-two pairs of shoes? Do we really need to spend our time and energy on just ourselves or can we be there to lend a hand to others? 

This past few weeks, Jon and Kristi have been helping me with so many tasks that Ronnie B and I are just not getting done on our own. What a gift that they are willing to help followed by a hug to our thank you. They share their time and knowledge with so many in our community. Boy does that matter. 

I am at a time in my life where I don’t fear having enough but still struggle with the fear of being enough. The fear of not having the energy to do what needs to get done. The fear of not being open-minded enough to set down being judgmental and just accept. The fear of letting others down when I don’t step up for them. Whether it is just not picking up the phone to connect or it is being too self-focused to step into what they are going through. Yesterday, I had to apologize to a friend who is walking through cancer treatments with her husband. It has been a few weeks and I hadn’t reached out to see how it was going. 

Give what you have because you get what you give. Doug Wekenman That is when we have enough and are enough for ourselves and for others. Isn’t that what we really want after all? To be enough and to have enough to be generous. So today I plan to continue striving to declutter and reach out and connect. What a way to alleviate my fears and prevent regrets. Bottom line is each of us needs to have grace for others and that starts by having grace for ourselves. To know that we are enough and have an opportunity for a fresh start every morning. 

In Him,

Joyful

3-21-24