‏I was remembering one of my favorite overheard conversations the other day. I was in a coffee shop and two men were sharing conversation. I appreciated seeing two men - maybe in their 30’s - connecting with one another in a deep way in a public place. I'm always tickled when I see the typically feminine, displayed by the masculine and vice versa. Our eco jewelry line is a reflection of this, with shapes both whimsical and elegant.

The conversation started similarly...One said to the other, “Here’s the thing about fear - when we feel it, we just want it to end. So, it can end by either facing and doing the thing we’re scared of or by avoiding the thing we’re scared of. In both cases, the fear goes away, but I’m sure the first one makes us stronger.”

‏Are there gifts in confusion? When we lose sight of our vision or things suddenly don’t make sense… might this be an opening of some kind?

‏I thought this was profound. Again, from my perspective as a woman who believes we all have something to gain from exchanging true intimacy on many levels, it seemed all the more powerful to witness men exploring and checking in about fear. So true. Fear tells us, ‘go, move from this place!’. Whether that is the place of hesitation before a necessary and health-enhancing experience - or - away from something that truly would not support.

‏The trick is knowing which. On the other end, will this make me stronger? On the other end, would I only be deeper in a rut and still subtly fearful of this thing that is somehow inevitable? Confusion differs from fear in that clarity is not yet available. Yes, fear can create confusion. But it is only a matter of time before confusion lifts, like a fog burned away by the sun. Confusion passes. In the clarity of the light, if we meet fear, let it also be a guide.

Letting go of fear was a first step in creating Paloma Pottery. Our eco jewelry line was born from a desire to take this idea and the memory of how to let go, into every day life. Our recycled glass necklaces make the perfect reminder for that special someone in your life. Crushed Glass, Heat and Pottery, Fused into a unique “one of a kind” piece. Available in six fabulous colors, and a myriad of wardrobe enhancing shapes. You can choose adjustable waxed cotton cord, silver or black rubber with silver findings. Great shapes for both men and women, including stars, hearts and animal shapes for the nature lover. Gift wrapping options available using recycled and sustainable materials. Check us out and make your 2014 holiday shopping easy.

Here’s to letting fear inform and to always choosing the one that lets us be stronger on the other side.