Fear is defined as a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid. (Dictionary.com)
A few months ago I was sitting under the hair dryer in my hair stylist home (Rollers and all) confined to my chair, hands gripping at my phone in case I needed to call for help. There was a massive lizard (ok, ok more on the smaller side) on the ground staring back at me I kid you not. Those who know me well are fully aware of my paralyzing fear of lizards. Not to over dramatize the story, but when my hairdresser came back into the room, I was on the verge of tears. I can certainly look back now and laugh, but at the moment I was consumed by FEAR.
I was thinking today about fear, which led me to write this post. While being afraid of lizards seems preposterous, so many people are held back by fear. It can be something tangible (like lizards) or psychological: fear of heights, fear of being alone, fear of failure, etc. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t afraid of lizards. I’m well aware that I’m more powerful, stronger and bigger than a measly lizard but it is something more than that. Aside from this fear, I must admit I’m more afraid of failure… there I said it! I’m afraid of failure. I’m afraid of being inadequate and just another regular person. It’s funny how our minds have this overwhelming power to hold us back. Fear is a powerful thing. An old Japanese proverb says, “Fear is only as deep as the mind allows.” Our minds have the capacity to restrict us from taking a leap, from skating over our fears and overcoming them. We are the only obstacles restricting ourselves from achieving success.
I wonder why are we afraid? Gosh that’s a loaded question I suppose. But really, I think I have limited myself from doing things because I’m scared. Aren’t we all a little afraid of something? Doesn’t that emotion have to be valid; I mean in my case it drives me, because I don’t want to be a failure, so I have no choice but to overcome it. Now lizards? Hmm honey that’s going to need some coaxing cause there is no chance in hell I’m getting near one. lol (see in this case my mind is way more powerful). I vow to take more chances, fear will not hinder me from doing things that I love. Camping however, is nowhere near future :)
The enemy is fear. We think it is hate; but it is fear. – Ghandi
Here are a few quotes regarding fear, that I thought were notable:
"Try a thing you haven’t done three times. Once, to get over the fear of doing it. Twice, to learn how to do it. And a third time to figure out whether you like it or not." - Virgil Thomson
"Fears are educated into us, and can, if we wish, be educated out."-Karl Augustus Menninger
I want to know what you are afraid of? How will you overcome it?
Ciao,
"Try a thing you haven’t done three times. Once, to get over the fear of doing it. Twice, to learn how to do it. And a third time to figure out whether you like it or not." - Virgil Thomson
"Fears are educated into us, and can, if we wish, be educated out."-Karl Augustus Menninger
I want to know what you are afraid of? How will you overcome it?
Ciao,