Mahler’s Monday Morning Motivator # 88 – Frightening Things - JP Fitness Forums

Mahler · 10-31-2005, 07:17 AM

Mahler’s Monday Morning Motivator # 88 – Frightening Things

Good morning, guys.
A very scary “All Hallows Eve” to all of you ghouls and goblins. When Halloween rolls around each year, we are inundated with horror movies old and new, tales of terror and all the familiar things that, since childhood, have sent chills up and down our spines, whether real or just for fun. There are some other pretty scary things that frighten us and seem to hang around all year long and these are the subjects of today’s motivator.

It’s amazing how we can be in charge and take control in so many areas of our lives and yet still be plagued by lingering fears that just seem to override all common sense. It may be fear of change, fear of trying something new, perhaps fear of forging new relationships. Oh, we have other names for such fears, to be sure. We say we are just being cautious or that we are satisfied with the tried and true or that we are just not ready for something else. But, hidden, as beneath the surface of a deep pool are the lingering thoughts that we might not like our decisions or the changes we have made. Taking refuge in the backwater of our stream of consciousness are the fears that we may fail or that we might be rejected. These can be powerful fears and all the more so because we rationalize them and allow them to be the bottom dwellers in the ebb and flow of our day- to-day lives. Well it’s time to flush them out and bring them to the surface.

Whatever it might be that is your frightening thing needs to be dredged up into the light of day. After all, someday you may look behind you at that long line of steps that show no sign of leaving the path. You may view the solid, well worn trail of a life unchanged. Or you may see stalking behind you, in the shadows, the friendships that were never forged or that you casually tossed aside. It is then that you will face the most frightening feeling of all; regret.

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Have a great week.

In Fitness & Friendship,
Mahler

Terry Monk · 10-31-2005, 07:47 AM

That is one of my very favorite MMMM. Maybe because it hits me, as well as many others I'm sure, right between the eyes.
So many things in my life I've been nervous about... unsure whether to take the leap of faith or avoid being burned altogether.
Comfort zone. It's a nasty phrase. If we could all simply learn to step outside of it more often, what could we accomplish?

John, thank you so much for bringing this to light today. I am thankful every Monday that you are here to provide me with that extra slap on the back to get the week started.

gregl515 · 10-31-2005, 08:37 AM

I've been trapped in my comfort zone for a long time. Looking back, it has cost me much.

FlyinM · 10-31-2005, 08:50 AM

Very insightful, John.

I envision the day when very scary stories begin;

Once upon a time, way back when I was unfit, and out of shape......

CAchief · 10-31-2005, 08:53 AM

thanks John. Very helpfull MMM

Bond007 · 10-31-2005, 09:37 AM

Very nice, John! Sadly, there are still far too few people in this world who continue to remain in their "comfort zone". Far too many people have far too many regrets. I learned a long time ago to step outside that box and experience life and as many opportunities that came my way. I made a promise to myself once upon a time that I'd NEVER have any regrets. To this day, I can easily say that I haven't a single one.

Marykaa · 10-31-2005, 10:34 AM

Really touches a weak point of mine.. Cause some of those things that frighten me are inside me.. Helps alot I think.. Thanks John!

I think I will actually print this one and have it were I can re-read it easlily.

Marykaa · 10-31-2005, 10:41 AM

JAMIE

Quote:

Originally posted by Bond007:
I learned a long time ago to step outside that box and experience life and as many opportunities that came my way. I made a promise to myself once upon a time that I'd NEVER have any regrets. To this day, I can easily say that I haven't a single one.

I feel exactly that way.. think you got a small example of it

but wow! it's good to have someone tell us we're on the right track!

aztecwarrior · 11-01-2005, 09:49 AM

Mahler
Thanks for such great post again. Very helpful.
elcampeon in MN

Chris Correia · 11-01-2005, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marykaa:
Really touches a weak point of mine.. Cause some of those things that frighten me are inside me.. Helps alot I think.. Thanks John!

I think I will actually print this one and have it were I can re-read it easlily.

I'd venture to say that the vast majority of the things that frighten us are inside, whether they be insecurities or what have you. Our challenge is to ask ourselves what we are truly afraid of, and to realize that we need not fear that.

Chris Correia · 11-01-2005, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marykaa:
Really touches a weak point of mine.. Cause some of those things that frighten me are inside me.. Helps alot I think.. Thanks John!

I think I will actually print this one and have it were I can re-read it easlily.

I'd venture to say that the vast majority of the things that frighten us are inside, whether they be insecurities or what have you. Our challenge is to ask ourselves what we are truly afraid of, and to realize that we need not fear that.

Marykaa · 11-01-2005, 12:04 PM

needs of being loved and accepted..

but people talk more about being scared of mice or spiders.

Chris Correia · 11-01-2005, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marykaa:
needs of being loved and accepted..

but people talk more about being scared of mice or spiders.

Part of the human condition is that we carry around unwarranted fears and insecurities, and try to hide them with actions and appearances. We never really confront them; we ignore them and never really move past them, to the place of realizing the great power and potential we have for full, vibrant life. Yet, all we really have to do is stop focusing on the past, and look forward to a welcoming future full of endless possibilities that are ours for the taking if we simply put our focus there.

Now, I need to re-read what I just wrote and believe it.

Marykaa · 11-01-2005, 02:33 PM

CHRIS

Quote:

and look forward to a welcoming future full of endless possibilities that are ours for the taking if we simply put our focus there.

What I TRY to do is to just think of the present..

jj · 11-02-2005, 02:32 PM

John, this is a great post! As it always is, but I can see this one hits home with a lot of people. I like to take the risk, but in taking the risk, there is always a chance of failure. I think that is what scares me the most, FAILING!!!!!