The other day I was talking to a friend of mine about how fear often motivates people. We were discussing the election and that led to discussing Michael Moore’s films. I think Moore captures it subtly that fear is the reason that people often make the choices they do. In Bowling for Columbine, Moore implies that it’s fear that makes people want to own guns, fear of the unknown, “the enemy”. This past US election I think some people voted for Bush out of fear of not knowing what Kerry would do, out of fear of going with someone unknown, out of fear of the terrorists threats.

Even in our day to day lives, fear often motivates us. I’m guilty of it at times. Fear of not being able to provide for my family has motivated many of my choices. And perhaps there is a healthy dose of fear, or better yet of reason, that helps us in our decisions. The question becomes, when does fear rule our lives? When does living in fear prevent us from making new but necessary choices in our lives. People are afraid to take chances to love someone for fear of loss. Afraid to switch careers for fear of loss of stability. Afraid to be honest for fear of rejection. And perhaps the worst aspect of all, afraid to be true to themself. We’re all guilty of it at times, it’s human nature to a degree, self-preservation. So, maybe it’s about being mindful, conscious of choices and thoughts.

Stepping off the soap box now;)