As Human Beings, Our Highest Calling Is Not To Be Safe
Handwritten Thoughts From An Old Journal
In the course of our ten year tech company I filled 44 journals. Stacked up, they’re 22 inches tall–notes and musings about the struggle to build an edu-tech company. Occasionally, I’ll grab a journal, peruse through the pages and present something. In this randomly selected journal from 2013 I found musings about fear and security. Within it I ask how fear and scarcity might be an obstacle and conclude that the outcome is an impact on generosity.
With the current political climate, and election day fast approaching, I thought this might be helpful. (Italicized text is the handwritten content):
How do we sacrifice each other in order to be safe?
Fear will always be an obstacle to generosity. It’s easy to become preoccupied with our own needs.
How is psychological scarcity/fear an obstacle for me?
Out of fear I cling (rather obsessively) to things (tasks, work, mindshare) to control and feel better. But it doesn’t make me feel better. It creates momentum for more fear, (not security, as one would think). Living generously for myself, would be to give myself time, activities, permission and responsibility to let go…
Also, this would require me to look squarely at what remains without work or anxiety.
How do I need to see differently?
What do I need to believe differently?
WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I BE ASKING?
Your Turn
Who are you outside of work or anxiety? What helps you move past fear and embrace a more generous, abundant mindset?
Design Strategist | Positive Intelligence Coach, CPQC
2moBrad Harris
Mental Fitness and Strengths-based Leadership Coach. Professional Certified Coach (ICF) | Certified Positive Intelligence Coach™️ | Strengths Champion Certified CoachⓇ
2mo"As human beings, our highest calling is not to be safe." 🎤 Drop! Alexa Fleur, your post is perfect timing for me! Thank you! I'm currently in a spiritual discipleship course and am working through some desert lies. I've discovered that "Being guarded and playing small keeps me safe" has been a lie that has been holding me back, both personally and professionally. But when reading your words, "Fear will always be an obstacle to generosity. It’s easy to become preoccupied with our own needs," my perspective shifted. Since I value living generously, I see how I can focus on the generosity that will come when not being guarded and playing small. And not playing it safe with resulting bumps and bruises will be worth pushing through to live generously. Yes, my attempt to remain safe is a barrier to my higher calling! So when fear creeps in, I must continually challenge myself by asking, "What is possible? What is on the other side of not protecting myself and playing small?" Keeping my eyes, mind, and thoughts on things bigger than myself will propel me forward to my higher calling.