Ill is the result of letting fear rule thine actions.

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Reading the Norse Sagas and Edda's around the fire in my long hall whilst sipping mead from a horn-cup always brings me value and relevant meaning; I thought to share some.

_{I don't actually have a Viking long hall, but I have a fire and mead so it works. Either way, the reading is valuable. Also I'm putting together a fleet to go raiding in Britain so need warriors and shield maidens; if you're interested apply below in the comments. I'm serious, it's happening. I've got a reliable man on the inside laying the foundations for conquest so success is assured. No health benefits included but if you die, a highly probable outcome, we'll burn you on a pyre, so all good. original im src}

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This week's Viking quote

Ill is the result of letting fear rule thine actions - Haralds saga Sigurðarsonar

I've known fear in my life; I've had to overcome use it to perform various tasks and to create desired outcomes. However, I've been rooted in place and immobile due to fear, too afraid to move or to stand and perform the required actions, I mean in my jobs, business and life itself. Fear kills the mind or can render it useless, and in times when fear strikes, and is warranted, it's the mind one needs the most.

Fear has settled upon me like a cloak and ripped through me to the point of near-destruction but then...I remembered words my father always repeated to me: Son, failure moves you closer to being the right person to accept success. He went on to tell me not fear failure, and that fear itself is something that can cause us to draw back from life if we let it, but it should instead wake us up.

I don't trust people who say they don't hold fears; they're liars and I don't like liars. It also brings rise to concerns over their actions, more so in times past, but now also.

Fear is human and can be a strong motivator causing a person to do [attempt] what they feel at first cannot be achieved. Fear can cut a person more deeply than any blade but if accepted can see them rise up and find courage, the right attitude, determination and ability to take action. Courage...I believe it's through fear that one finds it.

I recall a phrase that says something like, afraid is what you feel and bravery is what you do because of it. I'm not sure who said that but it makes good sense to me. Bravery occurs after fear. It also reminds me of a favourite Latin phrase, "vincit qui se vincit" which means he conquers who conquers himself. Or herself of course. I could type phrases all day long however the theme would be the same - Triumph comes from conquering one's fears.

Fear is a devious and cunning enemy, insidious and ofttimes brutal; fear shows no mercy and takes no prisoners. It cleverly works itself into ones softest spot and eats at one from the inside out. It is dark and stains the mind into darkness where light, the way forward, flounders and fails. It poisons thought until it's cold and dead and freezes action, even the thought of it.

To know fear is human. To feel it, but maintain the correct attitude and find the courage to act is power. Fear is there to be defeated - Plato says, “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light." The light is the way forward, courage, bravery then strategy and action. Through overcoming our fears, and not letting fear rule our actions we move forward in a more capable manner, and closer to our goals.

This is how I've chosen to interpret this quote today however I'm sure there's other ways to see it and if you would like to give me your opinion below in the comments I'll be really pleased. Agree with me or not, it doesn't matter, just get involved.

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Skol.