My mother likes to remind me that good decisions were never made in moments of fear. It turns out that her wisdom is actually scientifically based. Researchers have proven that when our bodies enter a state of threat ( in which the autonomic nervous system reacts to a situation using "fight or flight" instincts,) our frontal lobes, which are in charge of all our upper level, reasonable thought processes, turns off and we are left only with our primal survival instincts to guide us. In other words, when we feel intense fear, anxiety, or anger, our problem-solving skills become no more evolved than an animal's.
If we allow our fear or shame to guide the direction of our lives, we are choosing to run away from instead of run toward our intended goal. Our focus becomes a panicked escape rather than a thoughtful mission. Furthermore, the clear, direct path that we once followed disappears and we are left with numerous confusing twists, roadblocks, and side roads with no promise of reaching a destination.
Ask yourself what is driving your direction today. If you find that you are making rushed decisions based on fear or panic, allow yourself some time to refocus on your goal. Keep your head up and look toward the future, instead of constantly checking over your shoulder at your past. Most importantly, be mindful, present, and thoughtful before you take that next step.
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