Preoccupied.

We are rational, reasonable people. We make choices and chart a course based on the best information available. We use critical thinking, we weigh the pros and cons, and we make a decision knowing that we are the ones responsible for our path.

We know this, but what really motivates our decisions?

Often we have goals for the future. We have bigger plans for ourselves and try to make sure that we can enjoy our future. We think that the underlying motivation for our decisions is based on our future goals, but what if it was actually from our present fear?

What if our decisions are influenced by a fear lurking in the shadows of our mind that we haven't even acknowledged? What if our main concern is really not wanting to feel vulnerable, or powerless, or that we are not in control of what is happening? What if we are worried about losing status or power, losing control of the narrative, not being the dominant voice and the one to choose the direction?

What if all of our goals and plans are based on this unspoken fear and vulnerability?

We live our lives charting a course, thinking that we are making our way to happiness, but what if every choice and every action is really just another maneuver to escape our fear?  If we never turn and face it, will we ever truly be free?

What does it mean to be self-reliant if our minds are always preoccupied by fear?