The above quotation comes from the incomparable Nelson Mandela, of which, this is a very important sentiment, that more people need to pay attention to, for the easy road is that road in which nothing is demanded of us, and no obstacles stand in our way; yet, that easy road does not permit the opportunity to prove our mettle in any meaningful way. Each of us is obligated, whether we admit to it or not, to face that of which we most desire but are also most fearful of, which varies from person-to-person, but face it, we must so do -- for if we will not exhibit the courage or the wherewithal to fight for that which has the most meaning to us, then we have failed our own integrity to our lasting shame.
It is important to recognize, that though there are those things that we should be rightfully fearful of, and therefore to conquer such, may indeed be a daunting task for just about anyone, that isn’t always the reality of every case. In fact, far too many times, there are those things that we are scared to do or even to attempt to accomplish, which, in the scheme of things, aren’t really a big deal, after all. In short, if we aren’t willing to address those tasks that may just have a limited amount of downside, because we are too fearful to even attempt to do so, then it is problematic that we can subsequently ever have the strength of character to tackle those tasks which are truly daunting.
To a very large extent, most people have a fear of the unknown, or if not fearful, a certain cautionary attitude to such; in addition, most people are truly fearful of those things, which are known to be formidable. That said, a reasonably motivated person, should at least take the time to break down what they are so facing with such fearful trepidation, into smaller bits and pieces, to see if that over a period of time, with skill, experience, and knowledge, whether such can be successfully overcome; rather than simply to give up, without even attempting the exercise of the mind, or fairly calling to question one’s full capabilities.
The best day for anyone, is never going to be that day in which all that person did, was simply to sit in quietude; though, that may well have its rightful place. In truth, the best day for anyone, is that day, in which that which was thought to be highly improbable or impossible, is through an extended amount of concentrated effort and steadfastness, conquered, once and for all. That then, is a day to be rightly celebrated, for those that crush fear by triumphing over it, have accomplished something of real merit and meaning, thereby deserving of the accolades received, so of.
We are meant to respect fear, as that which slows us down so as to consider it more carefully, for as they say, “fools rush in, where angels fear to tread;” and those then that are wise, see that which is fearful, as often a challenge to be met, recognizing that to overcome any challenge of real worth, is the substance that great souls earn and are therefore made out of.