Borders

I've been thinking for some time about the borders in my life, those obstacles that either constrain my actions positively or restrict my actions negatively. I believe that borders are necessarily bad. It allows you to say that there are some things that you just won't do or participate in. They allow us to have morals, compassion, and will power.

Some borders that I have in my life are my religion and my fear. These are the two things that I believe shape most of my actions. There are myriads of ways that I they are connected to other borders that inhibit or strength my life.

My religion has been a positive border throughout my life. It has guided my actions and thoughts for as long as I can remember. These borders I feel are entirely positive. My religion breeds within me a desire to help other people, serve my friends and family, and pay attention to the community around me. There are certain activities and substances that I obtain from as a result of my faith and testimony. I do not believe that my life has been negatively impacted from the borders imposed on me by the strong believes my religion has instilled within me. Due to my religion, I have a wonderful family. My beliefs and convictions have allowed me to enjoy a bond with my wife that surpasses all other connections. I have complete trust in my wife and I am faithful to her in a way that allows us to feel safe with one another. We have common goals and we are working together to achieve those aims. Lasting happiness comes from relationships, not things. I know that I will always be happy as long as I have my wife beside me.

Fear is both positive and negative. There are certain times where fear ignites a desire to act. The fear of losing someone causes you to reach out to them. The fear of disappointing a friend or loved one gives you added motivation to try harder or be better. Other times, fear can be debilitating. The fear of failure can keep you from even trying. The fear of looking foolish can restrain an impulse to ben spontaneous or genuine. The fear of being hurt can dissuade you from forming strong bonds with other people. I have experienced fear in all of these forms. At times I have embraced the border of fear to push forward and other times I have allowed it to make me quiver and shrink from what I could have been.

Most borders in our lives which are not physical can be overcome through practice and effort. If we are fearful, we can practice being brave. If we have a weakness, we can work to overcome it. The beauty of life is that it is constantly changing. You don't have to settle with how you are. If you want to change, you just need to start by taking the first step.