14 September 2021 — THE COURAGE TO CONQUER FEAR AND DESPAIR

I have a wall hanging which reads ‘NOT THE ABSENCE OF FEAR AND DESPAIR BUT THE COURAGE TO CONQUER THEM’. Unfortunately it doesn’t credit the saying with anyone’s name.

However, I find it very useful advice as I am still coping with the experience of NOT being able to walk as far as I could a couple of days ago and I have often said in the past that the day I can’t get around under my own steam will be the day I give up the will to live. (And all I am talking about here is my lack of ability to ascend hills not to walk generally.).

So, it is not the ability to walk as far as I used to which is the main problem but the fear and despair which accompanies this fact. Although I am tempted to wallow in self pity I have learnt from the past that this is no way to cope with a problem.

PROBLEMS HAVE TO BE FACED. ACKNOWLEDGED and ACCEPTED. Only then will we find INNER PEACE and the energy to go forward in the knowledge that everything changes rather than to bury our heads in shame and anger. ONLY THEN WILL WE FIND THE COURAGE TO CONQUER FEAR AND DESPAIR instead of wallowing in it and allowing ourselves to paint the worse scenarios in our minds.

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL they say. And everyday we read or hear tales about people who have against great odds turned their lives around and regained inner peace, tranquillity and joy.