Fear not. Be well.

:Fear is a negative energy that robs our hope, charity, and faith.

OK. I confess. I feared dogs most of my life BIG time. I have watched way too many horror movies for my own good. 

Then, there were all the times, we played in "NO TRESPASSING" fields near where we lived in Fall River. Sooner or later, the field owner would release their dog. It came straight to us. We ran hard towards the closest chain link fence from the dog, usually a German Shepard or a Rottweiler. We were their target. Last one over the fence, well, you know! We always made it over the high fences like a great escape.

Years later, the widely published author, Jeanne Braham, approached me to create images for her next book. Wonderful! Subject? Service Dogs! Dogs? Why me? I had adopted one, Kiefer, shortly before. He was an Australian Cobberdog, the most gentle of breeds known to mankind. I was so spoiled. My images of him sparked Jeanne's interests.

So, I had to overcome my fear of other dogs, keep my poise, and let it go, well, most of it anyway. (I see a dog growling at me bearing fangs now, and I'm running for the nearest fence, or tree.) I did it. I let go. i moved on. Yes, if I can do it, we all can let go of fear.

Fear drains our ability to allow synchronicity to play successfully in our lives. Missed opportunities. It weakens our immune system. It distracts us. People distracted fall down and break bones, literally or figuratively. 

OK. There are levels of worry, fear, and doubt. Others may recognize fear in you. They may even offer some help. It often backfires no matter their good intentions.

My van needed some work neglected with my recent life transition. Yikes! I had instant fear on how to pay for it. Cash flow. Priorities. All those hoarded rolls of toilet paper! ;)

I let go of the fear, moved forward, embraced the procedures as painful as they were (sounds like the old dentist visits) and marched on. 

Doing what we need to do creates a vacuum. What we need next enters our lives. Momentum. Suddenly, I realized the van doesn't need to travel to workshops afar, I can create a ZOOM account for all to learn. This, then, has attracted interest in our online workshop offerings.

We do not give ourselves credit for how capable we are now.

Surrendering to fear is a trust issue. We don't trust our choices. We do not trust ourselves to let go and decide correctly.

There often seems to be a dark patch in an otherwise good day. Worst scenarios battle the best scenarios for our attention.

We need to decide correctly. Move on. Make ourselves stronger for the next decision, the next day, the next chapters of our lives, and beyond.

So with a stronger self and upgraded van, I bravely drove to the auto inspection station for a new sticker. There was still snow. Spring decided to continue regardless. Stay strong, my friends.

About the Author: Robert Floyd is a naturalist, photojournalist, photo gallery creative director. ..and so appreciative of heroes in his life. You can usually find him, when he’s not in The Robert Floyd Photo Gallery, he plans 2020 field trips in the beautiful Pioneer Valley, Cape Cod, Cape May, Newport, Manhattan, and Canada. Follow him here and on FACEBOOK: ROBERT FLOYD GALLERY/LEARNING CENTER. You'll be glad you did.