Fear, according to Dictionary.com, is a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc. whether the threat is real or imagined.
Synonyms for fear include:
foreboding,
fright,
panic,
apprehension,
dread,
terror, and
horror.
No matter what we call it, we all have fears. Some may be small, but others may be big...really BIG! For some individuals, fear rules their lives. It controls them and prevents them from doing what they really want to do. For others, fear is more of a minor inconvenience.
Old Bridges
I'm afraid of the old camel-back bridges like Bryant Station Bridge. I have been afraid of these bridges for as long as I can remember. I have absolutely no clue why I'm terrified of them. It makes no sense. I have absolutely no problem driving over the Houston Ship Channel or the bridge to Galveston or any other modern bridge. I have no problem fishing off of piers, but I can't handle the old bridges.Heights
Being high off the ground scares the crap out of me. I jokingly say, if I climb a five foot ladder, someone has to come up to get me down. But the fear is real. Acrophobia. This fear has a name. Is my fear extreme and irrational? Yes.I've realize this fear combines with my fear of the old bridges.
Failure as a __?__ (writer, parent, artist, secretary, etc.)
Is this story good enough? Will people want to read it?Can I do this job?
Am I smart enough?
The fear of failure is deadly. It often keeps people from even trying to do something they really want to do. No one wants to fail. It's no fun falling flat on your face, because then you have to pick yourself up and decide if you're going to quit or try again.
Changing Jobs or Quitting a Job
I work full time at a day job. I've been with this company for a long time and even longer in the profession. I've started thinking about quitting my job and writing full time, which has been my dream for awhile.I have a plan in place, if I decide to quit my day job, and I'm seriously considering it. I'm not sure which scares me more--the idea of quitting my job or the fact I'm actually considering it. Part of the fear is losing the stable paycheck, especially in today's economy. DH tells me life is too short to worry about somethings, and I should follow my dream. He tells me if it doesn't work, I can always get another job.
The loss of an income, for many, is not just a fear but a reality. It's scary.
Losing a Partner
My DH is my best friend. We have been together for over two decades. Yeah, that's a long time to be with just one person. I've been very lucky.The possibility of losing him is a reality I face everyday. Four years ago this month, DH had a major heart attack. At the time his chances of surviving were extremely low. In fact, the doctor told me not to expect him to live, but to call family and make funeral plans. I'm sure you can imagine my reaction. We were lucky. Several days later, DH woke up.
Yes, there was damage to his heart, and yes, we were told there would be another heart attack and that the odds of him surviving are slim to none.
We try to take each day as it comes and not worry about stuff we can't control. Easier said than done.
