I doubt anybody enjoys being afraid. I'm not talking about spooky stories that give you shivers, but true and stark terror. Being in combat is one example. Finding yourself inside a burning house is another. Adrenalin surges through your system, your hands shake, time slows down, everything becomes very sharp and stark. When you're truly afraid, you search out any possibility to make yourself safe, regardless of how crazy the ideas are. Fear is a fantastic motivator.
Some professions require people to walk the realm of fear on a daily basis, to charge into the teeth of death itself and not look back. Bravery barely touches the inner fortitude of such men and women. One aspect of heroic stories that I always find fascinating is how the hero finds their bravery. Is it learned, born, forced? Is it like leadership? Perhaps an innate talent or gift?
Perhaps our awe of bravery is tied with our fear of the unknown. I do think it's true that most people idolize extreme bravery, yet also hope they themselves never need to perform such acts. Beating fear is a constant goal, and a good one to be sure, because we human beings hate limitations. We don't like being stopped by our own weakness, so we push at the barrier of fear throughout our lives. Sure, it's good to be afraid of a charging lion or twisting tornadoes, but there are instances where those fears must be faced and overcome. Life isn't safe and never will be, so let your fears motivate you to greater heights.
- M
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