Fear

I believe we are all more likely to be afraid of what we don't know. Perseus defeated Medusa because Athena helped him know what he was up against, and I still look under my bed every night because until I do, I am afraid of what may or may not be there. Such is a perfect depiction of how fear drives even the most minuscule of our daily tasks.

In fear of looking like a gumshoe, we stick to what we know. In fear of getting hurt, we treat lightly. In fear of not being the most beautiful, we shy away and hide our colors, when in reality we just don't know.
If we knew that everyone looks silly at first, we'd all laugh too.
If we all knew that pain is temporary and makes you stronger for having overcome, we'd dance where we once would tip-toe.
If we all realized how radiantly we have the potential to shine, we would share ourselves more often.

If we disregarded our fear of letting others in, of being hurt and of our ability to love
We would touch more lives than ever imaginable.
So if we are afraid of what we do not know, then I will confidently dance out on to a limb and say that not only is knowledge power, it is also the ability to love more deeply.

If we knew how truly deeply others hurt, would we send any different help to Chile?
If we knew how much more than warmth a jacket would mean to the homeless, would we be willing to share?
If we knew more, would we also love more?