Fear

Friday's show featured Queen Rania of Jordan and Melissa Etheridge. I thought that both women had some good messages to share on the topic of fear. Queen Rania who is close to 40 is not only beautiful, but seems very wise for her age. She wrote a childrens book called The Sandwich Shop which is about learning a lesson on tolerance. Queen Rania discussed how ever since 911 there has been a lot of mistrust and fear of anyone who is different. She had a multicultural upbringing and has been able to make an easy transition between East and West cultures. Her book is about an experience she had in her childhood. She would bring hummus sandwiches to school which her mother lovingly made for her lunch. She felt sorry for her friend who brought a sandwich made with some strange brown and grape gooey paste. One day her friend asked her if she'd like to try it and she apprehensively took a bite. Then she took another bite and to her surprise loved it. On a subconscious level, Queen Rania says she understood at a young age that you shouldn't fear the unknown and judge something without trying it. She learned that wonderful things can be found in the strangest of places. She stressed the importance of not letting fear take over your heart. If you take the time to learn and understand the truth your life can be enriched. I've been working on being nonjudgemental of people. I've always been interested in different cultures, but sometimes it's just easier to gravitate to people who are similar to you. However, I've found I've learned the most from people who aren't like me.

Oprah says, "In your 40's you become more of who you are and the 50's are about everything you've been meaning to be." If that is the case, I am looking forward to my journey toward 50. Melissa Etheridge who is approaching 50 has a new album out titled "Fearless Love". She's learned that she's no good to anyone else unless she loves herself. Her battle with breast cancer was an awakening for her. Melissa says, after being diagnosed every day was a choice between love and fear. You have to make a conscious choice to perceive life as, is this experience a horrible thing or a great opportunity I can learn from. She said she doesn't have a bucket list because she tries to live life everyday in fearlessness. I have a bucket list of those things I'd like to do in my lifetime. I think Melissa has a good point though. It is a good idea to have an idea of where your headed on your journey in life, but it's also important to remember to live it every day.