I have a business situation where I am counting on a former business colleague to make a decision that will allow me to relaunch my business. I can't go into the details but basically it entails getting this person's permission to move forward. We spoke a few months ago and he told me he would give me permission assuming certain conditions. I sent this person an email a couple of days ago asking to set up a time for us to speak. I don't expect to hear back from him until next week.

I am afraid that he may turn me down although based on the last time we spoke he said he would be supportive. I realize I am being partly paranoiac but I have a lot to lose if he says "no". Relaunching this business is my dream and it's scary that I may not be able to realize it based on one person's decision.

Having said all this, this person has been a supporter in the past and without him I could not have started the business to begin with. I am truly grateful to him for that. Yesterday I met with a friend who advised me to not ruminate on the possibility of a negative outcome but instead to focus on the very possible outcome that things will workout. He said I have a choice in terms of what "movie" I want to replay in my head until I hear back. I like this analogy. As the "director" it really boils down to me making a choice as to whether I want this story to be about fear and anger or gratitude and optimism. Both stories are possible and, realistically, the happy ending story is very likely. I can definitely picture in my mind having a great discussion with this person and very genuinely thanking him for all the support he has given me. He is a really good person at heart. That's a nice story. I'll choose that one.

Lately, I have really been trying to work on putting positive energy out into the world but every now and then I run into an issue that derails me and I start worrying again. I am finding that the best antidotes for these remissions are prayer (to ask for courage and give thanks) and focusing on making other people happy through kindness and compassion.

Ok, that was helpful. Thank you PC!