Well, the view hasn’t changed. If you don’t know what I’m talking about you can check out last week’s post to get up to speed.
As I sit in my recliner with my leg propped up per doctor’s orders, I have accomplished some things and I’ve spent some time on Netflix and Amazon Prime. I got my taxes done and am spending some time looking at some ways to grow my business.
Over the many episodes and movies I’ve watched during this forced recovery time I have noticed a pattern. A high percentage of the things I’ve watched have fear and courage as main themes. They’re not clearly presented as fear and courage but the messages are not subtle. Let me share with you a few examples.
A teen-age girl attends a party with a friend. There is a high level of alcohol and drug use at the party. One of the attendees comes into the main room and tells everyone to get out as someone is screaming for help. As the friend who invited her to the party grabs her to get out so they don’t get caught, the character has a choice between fear and courage. Should she leave in fear like everyone else is or should she courageously go and see who is calling for help and provide assistance?
A female police officer is sexually assaulted in her own apartment. She calls in sick the next day. Her partner goes to check on her and discovers what has happened. Fear and courage make their entrance into the script. She refuses to press charges or say anything for fear she will be perceived as being weak by her male counterpart officers.
An employee in an office supply store discovers that his co-worker has been over charging customers and pocketing the difference. His co-worker tells him it’s ok. Everyone does it. Keep your mouth shut and start getting some for yourself.
A group of young boys are playing baseball. Their ball goes over a fence into a scary looking yard. Everyone is afraid to go get it because of the reputation of the ogre that lives there.
I could go on and on.
Each one of these examples are every day situations that most of us can relate to on some level. Unfortunately, fear is often our default position when we face these uncomfortable situations. Are you even aware of how often this happens in your life?
One of my goals in writing my blog is to get people to at least be aware of how often fear and courage are part of our every day lives. Dr. Phil says, “You cannot change what you don’t acknowledge.”
Do you have the courage to begin to acknowledge your fear?
As you watch your next tv episode or movie see if fear and courage aren’t part of the plot somewhere. I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Have a STRONG and COURAGEOUS day!
While I am not doing any speaking until late August or early September I am booking now for fall months. If you are looking for a speaker for your upcoming meeting I’d love to be considered. I’d love to help you and your team begin to recognize your fears and to respond in courage!
