I used to be fearless.
Over the past few years, I’ve become more aware of the little tickle of fear that squirms in my stomach. I think the more aware you are of what you can lose, the more you are aware of the threats. There’s nothing like knowing that everything you thought would work in your favor can suddenly work against you.
It might seem like a pessimistic view of the world, but there are times when you realize the only one you can count on is yourself. You have to make change and take ownership in how you interact with the world. You could call it the “Get ‘er Done” attitude.
There is a lot of power in making your own way. Once you meet a goal, you are filled with pride at what you accomplished.
There is also a lot of fear in being in control of your destiny. You may plan and then never get there.
And then there’s fear of the unknown.
It makes me think of those moments as a child where you go to bed and ask for the light to stay on. Your parent may give a little smile, and say, “There’s nothing to be afraid of.” As you grow up, you probably smirk…oh, there’s plenty to be afraid of.
As you grow up, you realize you have to take that tickle of fear and make something of it.
I don’t think you need to be fearless anymore. I think you need to take the fear and spend time exploring it instead. Fear can be a great signal if you use the anxiety it may breed to drive you in certain directions. It is the whisper telling you to take a chance.
Chances. Risks.
Using the tickle as a springboard.
Interesting. What was it Eleanor Roosevelt said? “You must do the thing you fear the most.” Or something along those lines.
Still, I sometimes think forcing ourselves to do that may be unwise.
No doubt, however, that we must some times work through what you call the “tickle”.
And how about the opposite point of view? That is you are never feeling that tickle, you aren’t doing anything worth doing? Many say something along those lines as well. I am not sure where I fall on that one yet.
Hey Ty, great points all around. I know that sometimes we think, “Hey, isn’t fight or flight the reason we use fear to protect ourselves?” We also know never taking chances means we don’t always have the opportunity to grow. I think what works is balance (like everything), and taking time to figure out what that fear means for you. I hope you find some answers as you explore your own feelings…thanks!
A nice reminder that sometimes we need to step out of comfort zones.
My tickle sometimes feel more like the world’s tiniest knife cutting up my insides. But hey, we all experience life differently, right? 😉
Hahaha Jake, I understand the knife. I know that I’m happy it’s a tickle for me because I also get more anxious than I used to. Perhaps it’s the same reasons as above, but if my own tickle was more like a knife, I have no idea how I’d react. Thanks for sharing!
Emily,
Really like this post. I think that you need to be fearless. Fear is False Evidence Appearing Real. Fear is not something you need. Nervous about what is to come and the unknown. To me nerves come when you are prepared to go through with something and willing to accept the known. Like you said fear is what scares you to even start.
Hi William, I like your perspective. I agree, perhaps many people consider nerves to be more productive than fear, though both can stall you. For me, often my anxiety is founded in a fear. I’m moving to school this week where I know no one. I’m anxious about how things will work out, and to me, it seems that really my fear is that I’ll have a hard time making friends. That will push me to get out instead of sitting in my room each night. Thanks!
Great read! This is one of those subjects where “easier said than done” applies. With that being said, it is important to realize that we are evolving creatures. We always need to be challenging ourselves and trying to conquer our fears. Otherwise, life wouldn’t seem quite as fun, right?
Hi Kim, I fully believe the challenges we face only make us stronger, even if we fall flat on our faces. It takes courage though, to take those leaps. Also people who are there to support you are so important. It’s why I love people like you who comment here, helping me with the leap as well. So thank you!!