The fear response

It is quite natural to be afraid. Fear is meant to protect us from dangerous situations. However if we let it rule us, then it becomes part of the problem.

There are two basic responses to danger: fight or flight. Often, it is best to just run away. Yet, there are times when it is imperative to stand your ground.

Being scared can be fun, so long as there is no actual peril. It gets the blood pumping and makes you feel alive. When things get real, the thrill wanes.

When one's fear takes over, it is time to face it. To succumb means it will haunt you indefinitely. Take a good hard look, and let the terror fade away.

If actual harm is imminent, escape is the preferred option. Fighting should be the last resort. Whether a fight is won or lost, the damage can be severe.

How one reacts to fear says a lot about them. Do not be fearful, nor should you be reckless. Instead, recognize the danger and focus on overcoming it.

Existing alone

There are distinct advantages to living alone. In the solitude, one is able to focus on what they are doing. The distractions you may have are few.

It is much easier for a single person to make decisions. A course of action can be chosen at a whim. Changing one's mind is easily done, as well.

Human beings require social interaction. So, you still need to spend time with family and friends. Being all by yourself can drive anyone crazy.

Some relationships work quite well. It is best when one individual complements the other. Without this symbiosis, people will tend to drift apart.

Existing alone only becomes a problem if you are lonely. People do the worst things to combat this state. It is better to be solitary than dependent.

Single people are required to provide for themselves. If they do not, they will be forced to do without. In order to survive, they must be responsible.

Real monsters

Real monsters wear human faces. They could even be someone that you think you know. Yet, appearances can be affected and thus are deceiving.

A smile can be disarming. Watch out, because that may very well be the goal. If you let down your guard, you will find out what their expression means.

People who care do not try to convince you. Trust is not asked for, nor should it be expected. Those who are genuine are not obsessed with appearances.

The ones who speak sweetest can do so with the most ill intent.  Be not beguiled by their words. Watch what they do, and the truth will be revealed.

Some of the most wicked individuals are the best actors. That is how they survive in our world. These are merely wolves who are masquerading as sheep.

If it sounds too good, expect to be taken for a ride. This will not be a place that you want to go. For upon reaching the destination, there will be a loss.

The written word

Reading is an exercise of the mind. Mental faculties become weak through disuse. They are strengthened through the power of the written word.

We can learn a great deal from nonfiction. However, it is fiction that tends to inspire. The enjoyment of a story far outweighs the accumulation of facts.

It is not enough to just read a book. For the full experience, digestion is required. Similar to how our bodies break down food, our minds process ideas.

Those who read are apt to have better comprehension. A big part of writing is communicating concepts. What is written must be clearly conveyed.

Some mediums provide you with images. With books, you are required to form your own mental picture. It does not need to match that of the author.

One can read about many different things. Regardless, there is an interest to be explored. Instead of limiting yourself, seek to broaden your horizons.

Leaders and followers

Those who cannot set their own path must be led. Be careful who you choose to follow. In order to lead, they should have an idea where to go.

It takes vision to be a good leader. You need to be able to see what others cannot. Otherwise, you and your followers will both wind up in a ditch.

The preference is to make your own decisions. An inability to do so leaves you in a vulnerable state. And there are many who will exploit that.

Following seems to be the easier way. Someone else will bear the responsibility. Yet, when things go bad, you will still suffer along with them.

People love to play the blame game. They refuse to decide, but complain when a decision is made. If left in their hands, nothing would get done.

The ones who are not decisive should be supportive. Then, the team will be able to progress. Do not pick a leader, only to nitpick all they do.

Earned approbation

It is best to beware of those who heap praise upon you. Friends say good things begrudgingly. Be sure that flattery does not come without a price.

There are those whose tongues drip with compliments. Watch your back and your bank account. Listen at your own risk, and follow at your peril.

Not every kind word is meant to ensnare. Some people genuinely mean what they say. Usually, they will make a statement and let it stand on its own.

Criticism comes easier than commendation. It is far simpler to point out one's faults than their merits. Also, arrogance will be naturally discouraged.

Some feel that extolling the virtues of one diminishes themselves. So, they hold such things within. No one is better for not giving what is deserved.

Those who do well have earned their approbation. Be suspicious when receiving what was not sought. Someone is expecting to benefit thereby.

Giving and getting

What you do tends to come back to you. Those who care for others are more likely to be cared for. Yet, the indifferent expect to be treated differently.

Hurting people fills them with the desire to repay in kind. Helping them can inspire similar feelings. What we get is in direct proportion to what we give.

The vengeful yearn to see their tormentors grimace. But that is not how these things usually work. Live well, and leave them to whatever may come.

It is possible to vex someone with kindness. Still, there are those who cannot be moved. Let them remain in place, just like the stones which they are.

We are happiest when such are left behind. To dwell on their deeds is attention they do not deserve. When ignored, they languish in their irrelevance.

May they be starved of the thing they so desperately crave. The world will go on when they are gone. It might even be a better place without them in it.