Upon seeking these two entities out, in what feels like the blink of an eye quite literally, my fear dissipates, and I breathe far more deeply without the swirl of anxiety that had been previously churning inside me.

 

Fear and those who fear monger don't want us to step outside of the box they are attempting to hold us. Because so long as the environment is under their control, they can limit the information that is permitted to be shared. As soon as we step outside the box, as soon as we pick up another book, gain information from a credible expert, the fear loses its grip because we now can combat its threats that are being used to hold us in place, to keep us in line. 

 

Part of the reason fear is able to hold on for so long is due to our lack of energy to look beyond what we are accustomed, or our inabiliity to understand that there is more to know or how to acquire such information. And while it may seem initially taxing to seek beyond the box in which we find ourselves, especially if we have been in the box for a long time and the box appears to be a secure space, the reality is, we will become unburdened and thus liberated from the fear that is compressing our ability to breathe deeply again.

 

Wherever you run up against fear - work situations, relationship situations, the news cycle, social situations - remember that you hold more power than you realize to step out of the circle of perpetuated fear. By seeking to broaden your perspective and speak and/or engage with others that you trust and actually have lived through and handled well the situation you wish to break free from or handle to the best of yoru ability, you deflate the power of the fear-mongers. 

 

In many ways the coming of spring is a breaking free of limitations - the limitation of being inside more than we may want if we adore the outdoors, the limitation of not seeing the sun for as long as we may like or having to bundle up with more layers than we'd prefer to feel free and comfortable. The good news is, we know that spring is coming. We know that the perennials that are snuggled in the ground will soon push their way to the surface and offer their beauty. We also know that the days will become longer and the birds will return to sing their songs. We know this, and thus we can savor the last few weeks of winter knowing it will not last. Keep this lesson from nature in mind as it is the knowledge of how the seasons work that enables us to relax, but if we did not understand the seasons, it would be easy to become frustrated, perplexed and anxiety-ridden that we would never be able to feel warmth, see beautiful fresh blooms and green grass again. 

 

Knowledge is power. Knowledge enables us to find true peace. And knowledge is what fear fears. So when a temporary moment of fear presents itself, remember to seek out more knowledge about what it is you do not know before you act in such a way that the fear-mongers would want you to respond. 

 

In many ways, primarily for women, there is the barrier of fear-mongering that is presented at each decade's commencement. Not justly so, not deservedly so, but sadly it is still so. Again, that is fear-mongering, and once we recognize it for what it is, we simply need to seek out the truth, more knowledge, and look to those that have defied the myths that continue to be perpetuated so that we can be reminded and inspired to walk past the fear-mongers. 

 

As I share in my book, fear never evaporates entirely, but rather, we become better at mastering it. Instead of letting it drive our lives, we need to put it in the back seat and take it for a drive (and while we're at it, let it fuel the car, as often the dreams we are fearful to seek are exactly what we deeply desire would materialize). Case in point, in this week's podcast episode, many readers shared on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and on the show notes on the blog and on YouTube, how episode #249 resonated with them. The topic certainly resonated with me which is why I have looked forward to sharing it since last November, and I will be curious to know what you think about the topic as well.

 

Moving from life motivation to style inspiration, the Fall 2019 Fashion Month just wrapped up, and in two different posts I share the trends from the runway in NYC, London, Milan and Paris that caught my eye. And lastly, a Decor post was shared this Wednesday inspired by a handful of my recent home decor ideas that appear simple but are what I have discovered can make a wonderful change to our sanctuaries. 

 

Lastly, I know it is more than two months away, but I have to share, I cannot wait for the 1st Annual British Week on TSLL to begin! Beginning Sunday May 19th, the week will begin with a giveaway that I am tickled to be able to offer (no, it's not a car - I am not Oprah, but it truly is a simple luxury that I think Anglophiles will appreciate, and not just one, but three people will be able to win!). And this is just a glimpse of what the week will include. Stay tuned for more glimpses in the months to come. 

 

Now to the weekly newsletter! Wishing you a lovely weekend, and thank you for subscribing to TSLL's Weekly delivery. Until next Friday, I'll see you on the blog.