What will you gain when you lose?

I like the new Special K campaign. They are trying to change a paradigm, to flip over a typical perspective about wanting to lose weight.  A challenge is made to the viewer, to not think about how much you need to lose, but what you will actually gain once you do lose the weight.  The focus is on what is up ahead, beyond the hurdles and the hard work.  What is the reward?

This has got me thinking in other areas too...mostly what will I gain if I lose FEAR? Fear in one form or another keeps me from many things that I could gain a lot from.  Relationships.  Success.  New experiences. 

It can disguise itself as procrastination, laziness, apathy.  But in the end, it's really fear.  At least with me it is.

What if I began this new year with the resolve to lose my fear?  What would I gain?  I may gain some losses, some hurt pride, some pain.  But I could also gain great friendships, deeper relationships, amazing experiences and unforgettable memories.  I could gain a life rich with risk taking and learning and depth.  Life could get very exciting and unpredictable. 

Sounds good to me.

So on this New Year's Day my only resolution, or goal, or change, or whatever you want to call it, is to live without fear.  I know this is not a one-step process, but I want to commit to taking that first step and each thereafter.

I was taking down all of our Christmas decorations today, and I decided to snap a picture of my Christmas wish to all my friends and family, and myself as well I guess.  After all, it is a good wish and I wouldn't mind it being true for myself. 

Peace.  In our hearts, in our minds.  In our relationships. 

Peace to you and Happy New Year!