Optimism is the key. – Will Champion
I am a creature of habit.
I also am, as I say, a pessimistic optimist.
When confronted with a decision of some consequence, Worry and Doubt are the first ones on the scene.
They have been with me a long time; they know my pattern well.
They subtly draw me in with a consideration of all of the pros and cons of the situation; a customary process utilized by many.
Most often, this exercise provides me with the information I need and a decision is made.
Should I manifest any signs of hesitation, Worry and Doubt immediately pose their favorite question: What if?
If I take the bait, they’ve hooked me; I then subject myself to a mind-numbing, tortuous procedure that makes a decision nearly impossible.
I am left with the choice of forsaking the decision, or seeking help and advice.
If I choose the former, Worry and Doubt win; if I embrace the latter, Hope comes to the rescue.
Several days before my next appointment with Dr. Madden, I called Dr. Koch and asked him where I should go for a second opinion.
He chuckled, and said, “When all else fails, go to Mecca.”
When my silence proclaimed my ignorance, he said, “That’s what they used to say about the Mayo Clinic. It’s one of the best diagnostic facilities in the world.”
“That’s somewhere in Minnesota, isn’t it?” I asked.“Rochester, Minnesota, to be exact,” he answered.
“Do you think I have to go that far?” I asked.
“Well,” he said, “if I had what you have, I’d want the best. And who cares how far it is? You’ve heard of airplanes, haven’t you? Hell, I’ll fly you there myself.” Dr. Koch was a licensed pilot who loved to fly.
“Okay, okay,” I said, laughing along with him. “You’ve convinced me. When I see Dr. Madden, I’ll suggest Mecca.” – Excerpt from “I’m Afraid”
I am by nature an optimistic and hopeful human being.
Sometimes Fear tries to change that; he does not always succeed.
I offer these thoughts for your consideration.
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The saga continues in my next blog.
Do Not Be Afraid!!!