When Do We Begin To Live?

We are all here on this earth to live.  But when do we actually live our lives?

Is it when we are running away from what we are afraid of?

Is it when we are hiding from our fears . . . or just plain unable to face up to our fears?

It is when we are no longer afraid.  

I have had to face fear many times in my life.  For example, the one time, while riding the canter on another person's horse, the saddle slid and I fell off, breaking my arm in the process.  When I was able to ride again, I was afraid of riding at the canter.  (The canter is a gait of the horse that looks like it is skipping.  It is a little slower than a gallop.)  For quite a long time, I rode my horse, except for cantering. 

A canter is such a fun gait to ride in.  I was depriving myself from that joy.  I finally decided to ride the canter, at least for a few steps.  After all, it was my trusty horse that did not have a mean bone in his body.  I know he will take care of me.  I got up enough energy and nerve to ask my horse for the canter, I rode it for a few steps.  Wow!!  I did it and all is well!!  The next time I rode, we cantered a little longer, until finally, it never bothered me to canter anymore.  And I still enjoyed it. 

I was starting to live again.  All that time I was depriving myself of the joy simply because I was afraid.  

Throughout life, we have fears that we must face up to.  If we do not face up to them, then our lives are wasted, doing nothing.  We are depriving ourselves of living life to the fullest.

So, let's live our lives to the fullest.  By depriving ourselves because of fear we will miss out on so much, moments which we will never get back again.  After all, life is short.  So, let's get our there and LIVE!!

What are you afraid of?