Fear. Affection. Inspiration.
Some words that I’ve been thinking about lately: Fear, Affection, and Inspiration.
Fear is a distressing negative sensation induced by a perceived threat, says Wikipedia. I’m afraid to do things that I know are completely safe. I’m afraid to do things that I know if I try, will bring me greater happiness. Somehow I get stuck – fixated on a problem, feel hesitation, and the negative thoughts grow. I find that not until I’m in a good place can I really look those thoughts in the ‘eye,’ gain clarity on just what needs to be done, and move on forward. It feels so good to face a fear.
Affection or fondness is a “disposition or rare state of mind or body” that is often associated with a feeling or type of love. Affection is this thing that makes me more enjoyable, I feel. People like being around the sense of love that I can create and I like basking in the comfort they give back to me. Everyone needs a little love – so I don’t think this is a selfish way to move through the world.
Inspiration refers to an unconscious burst of creativity in a literary, musical, or other artistic endeavor. Why is that some people are inspired and others are not? I’m not sure if I agree with, or am feeling, the Wikipedia opener for inspiration. I think what I’m looking for more is drive theory: The terms drive theory and drive reduction theory refer to a diverse set of motivational theories in psychology. Drive theory is based on the principle that organisms are born with certain physiological needs and that a negative state of tension is created when these needs are not satisfied. Inspiration and drive, inspire me? I’d say so, yes. However, the act of having a creative, or unique thought is one thing. I’ve met several people who have great ideas. These folks, I swear, I’d get after them for days to pursue their idea and I receive nothing but passive excuses. I think that inspiration is the earmark for passion, the passion to make something happen. My next thought brings me to drive. So why can’t these folks compose enough passion to be driven? And why can someone with a whole lot of drive have no inspiration? It must be that some people are born, or are trained, to feel that they need something more. People have asked me why I try so hard at various things in my life, and my response is something along the line of ’I have to. The desire crawls on my skin.’ Much like a tireless itch. I must say that I respect people with the desire to pursue, to grow, to achieve; they’re admirable.
