By Joel Block

I believe there are two main drivers in life: love and fear. Love is big in the media, fear is big in life. Fear wears many masks, and for many people that may include religion. This isn’t to say that religion doesn’t serve some people, but it also may, in a subtle way, limit them, especially those true believers who live with the active hope of an after-life.

The Lunatic Fringe

An extreme example includes the lunatic suicide bombers whose mothers would be shamed if they didn’t volunteer their lives. They, and their sons are going off to a better life-you know the deal, 70+ plus virgins and an unparalleled paradise. What crap!

The Afterlife Scam

Putting the lunatics aside, counting on an afterlife, in my view, is not a good thing. I’m for putting all of your energy into living life to the fullest now-especially is this important for Boomers, come on, we’re in the third act of our lives and the curtain is slowly coming down! Is there an afterlife? Who knows? But that’s not the point. The point is that believing in an afterlife hedges your bets.

Get Counter Phobic Now

Whether you are aware, and especially if you’re not, thinking that there is more to come saps some of the gusto that could be put into this time around. Living as if THIS IS IT is the way to go. Oh, you have fears and act as if you have all the time in the world to conquer them? Uh-uh. Time is running out and the best option for you is to immediately adopt a counter-phobic lifestyle.

Skip No, and go to Wow!

Instead of masking and avoiding your fears, act now. Some may want to jump into life full force, some may wade in. Either way, fast and furious, or slow and steady, get out of your comfort zone-don’t let the afterlife promise compromise a life that could be based on WOW!-I’m going for it, rather than NO, Not now!

Not Convinced?

Oh, you disagree? Let’s talk! Joel@letlifein.com

Joel Block, Ph.D., is a psychologist and author of nearly twenty books on relationships and sexuality. His website is www.drblock.com and he can be reached at Joel@LetLifeIn.com