Daily Gratitude: Not only do our fears point us in the direction of the right thing to do but also in the direction of what we need. What lesson are we to learn from this fear? Have you ever asked yourself that question? I haven’t until recently but it’s definitely a valid question. Take for example my “dislike” (an ‘it sounds bette than’ word for fear) of talking on the telephone. What lesson am I supposed to learn from that? Bottom line (after much introspection) is that I have to learn to listen to people’s words without having to have all the other visual clues I’ve always used to “really know” what they were saying. That reflects a measure of distrust (stemming totally from my childhood) and if I remind myself that I’m no longer a child and don’t need all the protective mechanisms I had back then, then it becomes easier to enter into a conversation with someone without having to “examine” all the evidence. If I can reassure those immature parts that are still petty active in me, then I have a chance to show them (and subsequently get them to back off and relinquish their role) that I can handle life without their help. Removing that barrier should enable me to be able to no longer fear the telephone. It sounds simple but it requires delving into the real reason behind some of our thoughts or behaviors. Just ask yourself-“what is the lesson I’m supposed to learn from this fear?”