CONQUERING FEAR
Only thing we have to fear is fear itself.
84 years later, the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s inaugural address remains impactful.
It was the last stretch of our enjoyable Euro Trip. Dadi (Grandma), Mausi (Aunt) and I were at the final leg of our journey. We cleared security at the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. Mausi and I were determined to shop till we drop while Dadi wanted to rest. We escorted her to the lounge at A11 and decided to meet at our gate A5 at the time of boarding.
Mausi and I tiresomely walked around the shops and finally made our way towards the gate. Much to our surprise, we found a tumultuous crowd and numerous security guards blocking our way. The shops in that area had their shutters pulled down. Everybody was in a state of panic and bewilderment. We were asked to leave that area of the airport due to a security threat. This was two days after the horrific attacks at Istanbul Ataturk Airport.
Dadi was inside the cordoned off area. She had no cellphone and there was no way of contacting her. A shiver ran down our spines.I looked around with suspicion in my eyes. Nothing was in our control.
Maybe this was just a precautionary check, being overcautious given the aghast events occurring in the world recently. Or maybe it was something more. Something that would be the turning point?
Thoughts thoughts thoughts – raced across, and consumed my mind. Thoughts definitely have the power of running at a supersonic pace in directions that can expand our imagination beyond belief.
STOP
The rational part of my brain stepped up. I interrogated within – Was there anything I could do about this situation? Was it in my control?
The answer immediately blared back – NO. Then what was the point of feeling scared?
It was THAT simple.
Amidst the chaos that had expended me – I found my moment of tranquillity. I offered complete surrender and wholehearted acceptance. My mind had consciously overtaken the emotions and anxiety that persisted.
Nibbling on my butter croissant, I felt accomplished having conquered the fear inside of me.