We start to fear from the minute we are born. Some of it is natural and some of it is instilled in us. There is such a thing as a natural amount of fear. It is supposed to be a good thing that keeps us safe. The fight or flight instinct is meant to naturally tell our bodies when to run for our own good or when to stand up for ourselves and fight.
However, a lot of us have too much fear and for what? When you think about it most things we fear are silly because so many situations are out of our control. Unforeseen circumstances. We like to fear the weather, the future and what other people will think. I would like to think it isn't about what happens to us but how we react to it.
As a college student, I fear about how I will do on my next exam and what will happen if I don't perform well. This tends to be normal fear because I know if I don't study for the next exam there will be consequences. Realistically I know that ten years from now it probably won't matter if I failed that geology lab exam my freshman year. Honestly, what is the worst that could happen if I couldn't recall the difference between porphyritic andesite and porphyritic basalt? Maybe I get a C on that exam. So? I get my butt back to the library and try again next time.
As I sit watching the third debate I realize just how vast the problem of fear is. I soon came to the conclusion that many people of both parties are treating this election as the be-all end-all of the country. As if one candidate being elected over the other means the whole country will crumble into shambles and never be the same again. America has seen their fair share of poor leaders and here we still stand. I believe this nation has always- and will always have the ability to bounce back.
But here's the thing- no matter who is elected- the sun will rise again. Everyone will get out of bed the same person they laid down the night before. Our citizens will go to work and carry on with their day. Sure, policies may change and new Supreme Court judges may be appointed. Things will change for the better or worse. Change is inevitable. However, in the large scheme of life, these are only a few years of your probable 60+ year life.
So if you wake up on November 9th and see your worst political fear has come true try to take a step back and remember that it will not keep you from living your life, from attending your job, or doing what you love.
No matter who is elected the next POTUS, it doesn't have the ability to change who you are or who you want to be. Your goals and aspirations won't change. Your friends and family will remain.
Don't let this election push you to fear what you cannot control.
