Passion Is Stronger Than Fear

When fear grips us, it can keep us stuck—unable to reach out in new ways.  But I have found that when I accept fear, I can take action and move forward in my life from a place of service and love. Most of us are faced with great changes in our lives, be they changes in our place of work or transitions in our personal lives. By being present during these times, we can learn lessons that are transformational.

About a year ago, my father (who is in his 90s) had a massive heart attack. Before then, he had been swimming and reading the New York Times daily. Eldercare was thrust upon my sister and me.  We would have taken a crash course, but none were available—so everything we have learned, we have picked up day by day, making mistakes along the way.

The power of love carried us through, and our passionate commitment to finding the best course of action for our father was greater than the terror we felt. Now, in our visits with Dad, we usually end our conversations with, "love you." The petty family annoyances don't have much room to surface, but the good stuff does!