Some would say it’s an anacronym for: False Evidence Appearing Real.

However you perceive it, I can say that most of the time the things I fear – which is usually something that is future-based and hasn’t yet happened – don’t turn out the way it’s depicted in my mind.

The question then is: why do we continue to feel fear over and over? Don’t we ever learn our lesson? That’s your ego trying to keep you safe. Safe from what you may be asking? Good question.

Failure. Success. Banishment. Basically, anything that disrupts the status quo. Your ego wants you to remain right where you are: Comfortable. Stagnate. Included. The problem is that’s exactly where you don’t want to be when you’re attracting what you want into your life. You must “risk it all” in order reap the big rewards. I’m not talking about risking your life, but rather ignoring the voice in your head that is telling you “start tomorrow,” or “your the most important thing in this world.” or “everyone else is an idiot, you’re the genius.”

Rather ask the question: “How may I serve?” and then remain quiet. Over time, you will begin to hear a still small voice within that will guide you in the direction of your true intentions.

That’s when you should be paying attention.

What tickles my fancy has evolved over the years. When I was younger, I had high expectations for outcomes. The stars had to align as well as other elements needing to fall into place in order for me to find some Joy.

Nowadays, it can be as simple as hot cup of tea that hits my Sweet Spot. I don’t see it as a matter of lowering my expectations, but rather becoming bewildered more often.

Maybe it’s age, maybe it’s wisdom – probably both – but the simplicity from which this realization comes is rather liberating. I’m able to remain present in the moment and soak it in instead of looking forward with unrealistic expectations to the next one while completely missing out on what’s right in front of me.

What’s your Sweet Spot?

I came up with a creative project years ago I wanted to do and regret to say that I never completed it. It was called, “Morning Glory.” It was going to be a series of pictures framed or in a colleague. The idea was to have my family agree that I could take a picture of them moments after waking up. No smiles. No faces. Just their authentic countenance as it looks upon rising for a new day.

I took some pictures in black and white – and to this day – they are some of the most beautiful pics I’ve made. And it’s not because I used some crazy exposure time or I took a lot of time to set up the shots. In fact, some of them aren’t even in focus.

It’s because of their faces. They are blank. Soft. Warm. Non-assuming. Vulnerable. Rested. They are ready to approach the glory of a new day.

I’ve always found a bit of glory in every morning. Because it’s a brand new opportunity to do things the way you want. To set the record straight. Or to continue your pursuit of excellence – your Morning Glory.

My wife has a statistic for everything. “3 years ago on this day we were in Spain and we were just about to get on a boat to go over . . ” I used to give her flak about it quite a bit and as I get older, I realize there is merit in her reflections.

I don’t remember those dates. She is tuned in to that stuff. I admire her for that. Sometimes it can get a bit out of hand, but for the most part I appreciate her detailed memories.

It’s important to contextualize moments in your life – especially when you know it’s a precious one. Last night was my final night on a Little League baseball field as a coach and a father with my son as a Little Leaguer. I have coached him since T-ball and now it’s time to move on.

It was sad. But, we created a lot of memories as well. One’s that we will never forget.

Recognize moments in your life as they are: precious.

That’s all.

Most everyone wants to know the outcome before starting an endeavor. They want to know how it’s going to turn out to see if it’s worth their time. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works.

We must take that leap of faith into the unknown to reap the rewards of our input. Nothing can replace this. Even though we can trick ourselves into believing otherwise. There are no shortcuts and there isn’t much that you can do to relieve that sense of discomfort except taking that risk over and over again.

We must learn to accept growth. Being uncomfortable. Just as the performer accepts the pre-show ritual of vomiting before walking onto the stage, we must integrate it into our lives, accept it and evolve because of it.

Otherwise, what’s our options? Remain stagnate?

No thanks.