“It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.”  J.R.R. Tolkien

Tolkien is telling us that as we take this journey of self-discovery, we cannot ignore our fears.  If you don’t know what you are afraid of, how do you have any chance of conquering it?

I think that, in addition to acknowledging and addressing our fears, we also must look at our belief system.  Specifically, our beliefs about ourselves.  For example, poor self-esteem or feelings of unworthiness are major contributing factors to many of our fears.  If you overcome an improper belief system, you will conquer your fears.

Sarah talks about T.S. Eliot’s belief that there is really nothing to fear from self-awareness because at the end of all our personal exploration, we will arrive back where we started and know in our hearts that we finally belong there.  I personally know this to be true.  Having taken the journey of self-exploration and facing my dragons head-on with the help of prayer and meditation, I am back where I started – finally writing, creating, and developing meaningful relationships through my real estate career – and knowing unequivocally that I am doing what God intended for me to do.

“As in the best old tales, at the end of your exploring, you will live happily ever after.”  Sarah Ban Breathnach

How wonderful is that??

Shalom!