March 29, 2021

“We are more often frightened than hurt; and we suffer more from imagination than from reality.”  - Seneca

As humans, imagination is what sets us apart from other species. It’s what has allowed us to survive, and thrive, for as long as we have. Being able to imagine unobvious possibilities was the precursor to eating utensils, cooking food with fire, airplanes, the internet...in short: everything.

Our active imaginations aren’t limited to creating positive potential, however. When we’re uncertain or anxious about an outcome, our imaginations run wild with possibilities. Dreaded what-if scenarios come to life in our minds. 

Much like a child who is frightened by shadows cast on bedroom walls or an idea of what lurks in a dark basement, we have to remind ourselves that—more often than not—what we’re afraid of only exists in our minds; it isn’t a reality.