It seems to me that humans are primarily motivated by two emotions: love and fear. As young children, before we ponder such things, we love those who provided what we need and fear separation from their comfort and attention. By our turbulent teens, we strive to impress those we love and, while we pretend to shun their advice, we fear that we will not meet their expectations.
As young adults, romantic love often impacts our life though the fear of failure, of not achieving the goals that we and others have set for ourself, balances the reckless nature of romance. Come middle age, as love of family and devotion to career complicate our lives, an increasing awareness of our own mortality instills pragmatism, demanding close attention to matters of health and finance. Finally, in the last stage of life, we gain perspective and, if we have the mental capacity to do so, are apt to ponder how love and fear governed our life.
Many of us will have to admit that fear had too much influence. We will acknowledge that our risk tolerance was deficient, that, at times, we were afraid to live, foregoing opportunities, adventures and relationships that may have enriched our life. Better that we allow love to take control: love of self, love of those close to us and love of life itself.
