Fear

I'm operating under the assumption that it's a healthy human reaction and response to everyday life. The new millennium, as far as I'm concerned, is nothing but a hectic precursor to the apocalypse. 

As I was studying my skinned knee earlier today, petrified but also positive that it would become infected with gangrene and either fall off or need to be amputated, I realized that I live my life in a constant state of fear. When I walk through the aisles of my local grocery store, I'm not thinking about the delicious treats I could be purchasing but rather the botulism I'm likely to get from any one of the canned goods I buy. While attempting to take a leisurely walk through my suburban neighborhood I'm not thinking about the quaintness of the surrounding houses; no I'm dwelling on the possibility that I could at any point be attacked by a feral cat or rabid dog, or tragically killed by a reckless driver. 

Global warming, nuclear fallout, cannibals, the threat of paralysis, animals in human clothing,  the idea that the second amendment might someday be overturned; it's a wonder that I'm a fully functioning human being and not curled into the fetal position in light of all my fear and anxiety. 

Instead of considering terror, panic, and nerves a harbinger of a heart attack or nervous breakdown (which is what people around me constantly and irritatingly insist) or a reason to shut myself into a room and never venture into society again, I view them as a wonderful way of keeping me relentlessly aware of the world and dangers around me. I have a leg up on most of the population; I suspect what many are simply to comfortable to allow themselves to think about. 

I urge you all to be more fearful of your surroundings; I assure you it'll be better than any security system you could ever purchase. Consider 'comfortable' and 'happy' akin to 'complacent' and 'ignorant.' Sober advice. Consider it. Live by it.