“Without fear there cannot be courage.”
~ Christopher Paolini
I’m a self-professed fraidy cat.
I’m not very brave.
I fear the unknown.
It’s not that I’m a worrier, though I can’t quite reconcile the two; it’s more that I’m held hostage by irrational thought. Sometimes it prevents me from doing things I’d really like to try–
sky diving
hang gliding
rappelling
walking across the swinging bridge at Rock City
flying to the pinnacle of breathtaking Austrian alps…and then skiing down
This isn’t a faith in God thing for me. It’s not about trusting him in the here and now for salvation, eternal life, forgiveness, redemption (I do); although I believe he’s wired me the way I am, and, any victory is a result of a Kingdom work in me.
But practically speaking, I’m learning to conquer (non-height-related fears) by asking a simple question:
What’s the worst thing that can happen?
Then I consider the scenarios, trying to imagine the Very Worst Thing that can happen, and the paralysis is cured.
I’m able to live ~ fully live ~ in and then through the moment.
And, you know what? The Very Worst Thing has never happened.
::::
Written in response to The Gypsy Mama’s “Five Minute Friday” writing prompt; this week’s theme, Brave. And it usually takes me about 10 minutes to squeeze in what most others can write in five, so there ya go–I’m a rule bender :).
Your turn: Do you consider yourself brave? How do you conquer your fears? Or do you live a life sometimes paralyzed by “what ifs” and/or worry?
Look at you in social media my dear, you are fearless and strong. You put your thoughts into words, they flow and you fill my screen with pause for thought, your photo’s transport me to another place and your blog brings me back time and time again to share in your life.
Brave.
You are brave.
Powerful suggestion, Robin! We can imagine some pretty awful things that are impossible or likely to never happen. Thanks for another tool–I need that box full!
Oh, my…. By Word of Mouth Musings (I SO wanna call you by your first name!!)….your comment just filled my tank, sweet one. If I don't see you in the next year I'm going to be sorely disappointed…! xo
Julie ~ What a great turn of phrase, and quite unexpected in this context. Thanks for encouraging ME!! 🙂
I’ve got some mad height-related fears, so I can relate!
Putting aside sky diving, you are so brave in your vulnerability with words. That’s such a gift to all of us who read them.