Afraid to go there

 
      Fear can cause avoidance and denial.  Satisfaction with the status quo can impede inquiry, evaluation, and progress.  When our minds are made up, when we are certain we are right, when we don't try to understand other opinions, our ideas can stagnate.
     Often, we don't analyze our past decisions and behaviors.  We don't want to consider that we may have been wrong or have made mistakes.  Going there may shake our faith in ourselves.
     Often, we honor the opinions of those people who have formed our thinking and those who agree with us.  We don't want to doubt the "experts" in our family, our society, our politics, and our religion.  Going there can seem disloyal, can rock the boat, and perhaps endanger relationships.
     Often, we don't bring up certain topics with certain people because hurt feelings or arguments may result.  Going there may be uncomfortable and seemingly not worth the risk.
     Often, we honor the past more than the present and future.   We want to return to the good old days or to a person who we think will make us great again.  Going there may create fear of the future or lack of confidence in fresh ideas.
     Often, we choose security over taking a risk.  We don't want our family or children to be denied a happy future.  Practicality may overshadow development and progress.  Going there may actually impede fulfilling our dreams.
     Many people use fear to cloud our thinking.  They imply that something worse will lie ahead if  we question their dogma or philosophy.  Tradition has value, but so does innovation.  The future can be better than the past; the sweetest fruit may lie ahead.  Don't be afraid to go there.