Fear Is a Choice - Diane Marie Ford

Divisiveness, disagreements, name calling, finger pointing all have something in common.

Toxic and unhealthy behaviors are ramping up day by day and have become epidemic in our society, igniting and fueling the spread of fear. The greater the degree of such unhealthy behavior, the greater the yearning for commonality – connection.

As a people, we have become terribly divided. We are suffering so dearly from this division that we have resorted to creating a connection any way we can, whether we are aware of it or not.

You see, humans are a social species and we thrive on connection. Some of our best ideas, products, services, brainstorms are birthed through our connections.

What happens when we, as a society begin to unravel – to disconnect? More than likely, we create scenarios and write new stories which serve to connect us, one way or another, healthy or unhealthy.

If you find yourself arguing with a person you wouldn’t otherwise speak with – you are connecting. If you are posting your opinions in agreement or disagreement with your neighbors – you are connecting. If your tone is replete with anger – you are still connecting. If you are bashing someone who makes a vitriol comment – yes, you are connecting.

We need to connect.

Indeed, we are social creatures with a need to connect. That need is deeply ingrained in our DNA. It has been passed down to us through our ancestors. It helps us survive and thrive as a species, through cooperation and communication. It is our cooperation and communication that have become derailed.

Have you noticed how we are going at each other’s throats in an attempt to draw blood? Have we been influenced by a new, unnerving spirit of the times – strike or be stricken, hurt or be hurt, push or be pushed? It has it reached a fever pitch.

Are you comfortable living in this toxic petri dish?

I sense you are not.

Now may be the ideal time to take a pause.

There is anger in the air. There is fear in the air. That is understandable, but it is not necessary.

While fear is a normal and common human emotion, often amplified by current events, media exposure, and societal pressures, I believe fear is simply a call for love. I believe where there is fear there is the absence of love. What would you do if you possessed the power to shift your perception from fear to love?

It is possible. I, like all of us, am challenged on a daily basis. Throughout it all, I do my best to return to love.

My mantra, love is all there is, is meant from the bottom of my heart. There are songs written about the power of love, love is all you need, what the world needs now is love, sweet love. These are not mere lyrics, although inspiring lyrics, indeed, they are a call for change. A call for rectification.

Words, lyrics and intentions are powerful. Love is a mighty potion and can be expressed, shared and celebrated in many ways. Love can heal, transform, transcend the ordinary and transmute the energy of fear.

People may unconsciously choose to operate in fear.

Many are unaware of the fact that they have a choice. They can choose to shift their perception.

I am reminded of the lyrics to one of my favorite songs:

If you hear the song I sing
You will understand, listen
You hold the key to love and fear
All in your trembling hand
Just one key unlocks them both
It’s there at your command

Come on, people now
Smile on your brother
Everybody get together
Try to love one another right now

Get Together | July 1967 | The Youngbloods