The old adage "There's nothing to fear but fear itself" is so very true, though we sometimes forget its potency. Why do we fear success? What is it that we run away from? Fear is the byproduct not only of dangerous situations but insecurity. In fact, danger in our society is rare. Oddly, many of us hold a high degree of potential within but refrain from unleashing that potential due to fear; fear of humiliation, let down or a wide host of other scary yet harmless situations. Think about how many times you knew there was something you should be doing to get you ahead, but you decided to do something completely useless and entertaining. Chances are your subconscious decided to shy from former. It did this to avoid dealing with this fear or insecurity of new change, positive as it may be. The next time you find yourself left with these choices, especially if it involves some form of change, investigate your decision and find out what is best and why you truly are avoiding the alternate choice.

Negativity can spread like an infectious disease. It is not uncommon to see it bubbling out of the eyes of someone passing by or even in an acquaintance or loved one. The hard truth, however, is to take noticed of the virus of negativity within ourselves. This is definitely the one place the human ego tends to avoid. The reason for such avoidance is the perceived survival of the ego. It thinks that by feeding on negativity it will stay alive and even thrive. Negativity can feel "good", even when we say it doesn't; it can feel empowering, exciting and even entertaining. Often, it is easier to give in to negativity than it is to make the choice to refrain from joining in. If negativity sounds to you like an addiction to heroine you are right; negativity permeates the mind and ceaselessly craves for more. The problem, like any addiction, is the withdrawal period. Anyone who's ever been saturated by negative emotions knows the inundating feeling that arises during the aftermath of a long period of negativity. Some are so usurped by these feelings that negativity becomes a mode of living, and so they are blind to its effects; unaware of their addiction. An easy detector is to notice the surroundings of someone (or yourself). If there is a constant cloud of gloom that never seems to fade chances are the subject is locked within negativity.

If you wish to help someone or change this mode within yourself the first rule is to refrain from judging. This can be extremely tough because of the viral effects of negativity. A deep inner awareness is required (sometimes this means getting space before reimmersing yourself). Secondly, have understanding. This too can be a tough pill to swallow, as anyone charging at you with negativity can come off as hostile. However, if there was ever one thought to keep in mind it's this: when you're down and at your worst, you want others to see that you are not yourself and need help by way of understanding. So, it is prudent we give this to those around us.

Few things stir the pot like being belittled does. The feeling of inadequacy can make a big man feel small and a smart man feel dumb. Whether truth is relevant to the situation or not ultimately makes little difference. The emotion is what stings. It seems that most people spend much of their time finding ways to avoid this feeling by proving themselves worthy in various ways. The bigger car, the largest breasts, the smoother skin, the most money, the most muscle; it's all a race to be superior. Funny enough, these antics only serve to reveal the true weakness of the culture let alone the individual. However, few, if any, are free of this sort of behavior, though some are most certainly worse than others. To truly be free of this, a person must not only see it in others but more importantly find where the feelings of inadequacy are within. They are there and at any given moment they may arise. The difference between the ignorant and the enlightened is the ability to handle these feelings when they arise. One will "prove" his worth while the other laugh at his own ignorance.

Any amount of pressure will fold a man (or woman) into a ball. "Nature is brutal towards the weak, but not arbitrarily cruel" said Cesar Milan. During our darkest hours we feel the brunt of nature's fury. Many of us remain in a state of recoil, refraining from straightening out once more. You can see it in the average person's gait, their posture and their eyes. People are afraid; they're afraid to open up, to let loose and shine forth the beauty and power they hold within. Everyone has the potential to be great, but so few feel chosen to act on their nature. We have foolishly convinced ourselves that "I don't deserve". Nelson Mandela wrote "There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you". Yet, we do this all the time. We tell our children not to feel too good about their accomplishments or selves, lest they be viewed as "cocky" or "brash". It seems that so much time is spent on keeping face that no one pays attention to how they actually feel behind the façade. And while the gestures that we present are indeed the forefront of our presentations they are most certainly a reflection of an inner state.

Greatness spreads by example. Inspiration comes through witness of another's amazing achievements. "Your playing small doesn't serve the world." So, in that case, do something grand.

The phrase "you have a wall up" has become a common saying in society. There are two possible reasons for this. One is that it is just another trendy slogan to spout out to impress those around you. The second reason is that many people do have walls up and around their mind. Though I believe the first reason is partially true, the second seems the more prevalent. The funny thing about a "wall" is that the individual who "throws it up" commonly believes they are shielding themselves from the dangers of the world around them, whereas, in fact, they are playing a maze of a game mostly with themselves. Often this wall is nothing more than the inability to be open with others. This is not to say "spread your personal information and life story with the world". But, what are the benefits of always being disingenuous with those you do not know? Has this truly served anyone any justice? It is all too easy to pretend to be the image we wish others to portray us as, but all that happens when we do this is the complication of our relationships. One must ask him or herself "If I am rarely myself around other people and the majority of my time is spent with others, doesn't this mean I am rarely myself?"

America is a land of freedom, choice and expression. It is also a land of too much insurance, over processed food and ignorance of other cultures. There is a tendency, within the general populace, to assume that the idea that is America is the greatest idea to ever reach the mind of man. Yet, Americans (at least those born and raised in the states) are probably the most collectively ignorant of other cultures. There is a general notion that is indoctrinated within minds of the people that America is the end-all-be-all of the world; as if no other land or people have anything worthwhile to offer. A friend recently put it beautifully by saying "Americans often only learn about other cultures through the Discovery Channel". Sadly, this is true. Even those who do venture beyond the borders seldom seek a dose of the reality of the outside world. Those able to afford the pleasures of exotic vacation spots find just enough culture in the "odd" native who brings their cocktail while wearing a mockup of his or her traditional garb.

The world has much to offer; far more than your cable television and La-Z-Boy can provide. Every nation and every person has something to teach, whether they realize this or not. One who aspires or considers him or herself to be a progressive individual will find the best classroom not within the confines of the air conditioned college, but on the foothills of foreign territory.

You start off small in this world. You're a "nobody", except to your parents, until you enter school. From there, you find a rank within the social hierarchy. Some place high while others place low. However, throughout your youth this changes constantly. And then you hit the "real" world; now you are at the bottom once more.

Life goes like this for us all; it is a law of nature, and it is beneficial for continuation and evolution. But fear not, because while you may be at the "bottom of the barrel" you only have up to go. If you are on the top, do not fear the bottom. Falling down will only teach you how to deal with life in a more balanced manor. The real trick is not shielding yourself or your loved ones from the dangers of living, the trick is to learn and teach how to deal with these issues. Running teaches us how to escape, and it has its place, but facing our situations, especially at their roughest, provides a sort of wisdom that is invaluable.

The universe is a massive place. To even label that infinite depth seems an injustice. However, we humans do everything we can to capture it within our brains. We claim to hold the answers. We praise ourselves on having mastered the science behind its workings. Truthfully, we are merely fish trying to understand the waters in which we swim. It is amazing the levels to which people will argue and fight, as if they were the lords of all.

If you sit back and marvel at space alone you will know just how small you truly are. Indeed, you are as much a part of the whole as the galaxy's largest star, but we must remain humble to the existence that cradles us. It is womb that bears us all. To view it as something external is an act of isolation. And we most certainly are not alone in this existence.

Being honest can be a tough task. In a "perfect" world all people would be honest at all times. However, perfection, as we conceptualize it, is an illusory idea. For instance, if a gunman will allow you to live if you tell him you like Snickers bars, but you don't, you might want fib, maybe just this once. And while this may sound a bit mischievous to the proclaimed saints amongst us, not everyone at all times can be open and honest.

There one place where honesty at all times is key. That place is within. No matter what you shield from the world; no matter where you are trying to hide, you cannot hide from yourself. Coincidentally, it seems that those who fib most are not so much lying to others as they are lying to themselves. Lying to oneself is extremely detrimental to personal balance and mental health, yet many do it all the time. Strangely, in our society, self deception is a common occurrence. Our subconscious minds may be screaming the truth but those mental words of manipulation somehow are louder. If you take the time, however, to be honest; if you face up to yourself, you will discover a unique power within. This power will pave the way towards all sorts of accomplishments. With it you can tackle issues, accomplish goals or even simply clear up old emotions.