Audre Lorde: 'When I use my strength in the service of my vision it makes no difference whether or not I am afraid.'

When I use my strength in the service of my vision it makes no difference whether or not I am afraid.

Audre Lorde once asserted, "When I use my strength in the service of my vision it makes no difference whether or not I am afraid." This quote encapsulates the powerful idea that fear should not hinder our pursuit of our dreams and goals. Regardless of being afraid, when we channel our strength and determination towards our vision, fear becomes irrelevant. Lorde's words hold immense significance as they invite us to confront our fears head-on and allow our passions and dreams to propel us forward.The straightforward interpretation of this quote is one of encouragement and empowerment. Lorde emphasizes that fear should not dictate our actions or suppress our potential. Instead, she exhorts us to utilize our inner strength to serve our visions and purpose. This implies that our dreams and aspirations should guide our decisions and actions, irrespective of the fear that may accompany them.However, to truly appreciate the depth of Lorde's statement, let us venture into an unexpected philosophical concept that sheds further light on the quote: existentialism. Existentialism contemplates the nature of human existence and places immense value on individual freedom, choice, and personal responsibility. It encourages us to create our own meaning in life and make decisions without relying on external factors or societal pressures.When viewed through an existentialist lens, Lorde's quote takes on an even more profound meaning. It suggests that living authentically and aligning our actions with our personal vision liberates us from the constraints of fear. By embracing our inherent strength and summoning the courage to pursue our goals, we can transcend the limitations imposed on us by societal expectations, self-doubt, and anxiety.Existentialism asserts that human existence is inherently challenging and that fear and uncertainty are inevitable aspects of life. Therefore, Lorde's quote can be seen as a call to embrace the inherent anxiety that accompanies the pursuit of our vision. Instead of allowing fear to immobilize us, we can recognize it as a natural part of our journey and leverage it to propel ourselves forward.In contrast to existentialism, conventional wisdom often encourages individuals to avoid fear and seek comfort and security. Society often pushes us to prioritize stability and play it safe, leading many to abandon their dreams in favor of the familiar and predictable. Lorde's quote challenges this societal norm by highlighting the liberating power of fearlessness in the pursuit of our visions.By embracing Lorde's perspective, we redefine our relationship with fear. Rather than viewing fear as an obstacle, we can transform it into a catalyst for growth. When fear arises, instead of allowing it to discourage or hinder us, we can acknowledge its presence, draw upon our inner strength, and forge ahead with unwavering resolve. In this way, fear becomes not an enemy but an ally—an indicator that we are challenging ourselves and moving closer to our vision.To harness the strength needed to overcome fear, we must cultivate self-awareness and develop a deep-rooted sense of purpose. It requires understanding that the path towards our vision may not always be smooth or comfortable but that it is ultimately the path that aligns with our authentic selves. When we prioritize our vision, we liberate ourselves from the shackles of fear by placing our faith in our abilities and resilience.Audre Lorde's quote resonates with us because it speaks to the universal experience of fear and the transformative potential within each of us. It encourages us to embrace fear as a natural aspect of life and utilize our strength to serve our vision. Ultimately, the quote inspires us to lead lives of authenticity and purpose, transcending our fears to manifest our dreams and create the future we envision. By embarking on this courageous journey, we become the authors of our own narratives, weaving stories of resilience, growth, and triumph.