A rolling stone gathers no moss – facing fear is scary!

I totally believe in facing our fears and continuing to grow throughout our lives. I started life as a very fearful individual. Believe it or not, I’m shy. Basic human interactions used to terrify me. And by terrify, I mean turn me into a red-faced, trembling, nervous tummied, mute struggling the internal battle of wanting to speak but being absolutely unable to force words out of my mouth. Think I’m exaggerating? Ask my mom. It was bad.

I’ve grown out of it some as I’ve aged, but I’m still way more likely to hand the conversational ball to you rather than hog it all for myself. If we’re talking and you’re ever suddenly aware that you’ve done more than your fair share, don’t worry. I’m fine with that. On the other hand, if we’re talking and you’re suddenly aware that I haven’t STOPPED talking, you either

a.) might not be talking to me

or

b.) should probably really listen hard because what I’m saying means enough to me to force me out of my comfortable little quiet zone.

When I was young, I was afraid that escaped convicts were going to climb the trees to my house and get into my bedroom. I was afraid to ride roller coasters because I thought they’d break while I was on them. I was afraid our country would go to war and lots and lots of people would die.

I mean, I could keep going, but I’m afraid that I’m going to end up making myself sound like I’m a crazy person. Which I’m not. *twitches* Right?

I’ve hated that fearful side of me for as long as I’ve had it and I’ve fought it tooth and nail my whole life.

I’m too shy to carry a conversation? I study ballet and get myself on stage in front of thousands over and over and over again.

Afraid of roller coasters? I rode them anyway until now? I love them and absolutely CANNOT wait for the weather to get a little warmer to take advantage of the season passes Mr. Wonderful bought us for the amusement park kinda just down the road.

Afraid of war? Imagine an eight year old writing a letter to the President begging to keep us at peace with other nations. Be sure to give her really cute blonde pigtails and a goofy little crooked grin. Ya. That’s me. I did that.

I’m all about finding ways to take myself out of my comfort zone.

But I did something this weekend that I never in a million zillion years ever thought I’d do. And I’m not gonna lie, I’m feeling a little proud.

I took a Basic Rider course and am now a licensed motorcyclist!

I covered up my name and license number with a silly pencil so you can’t see them!

Mr. Wonderful has ridden motorcycles his whole life and took me out on the back of his way back on our second date. It took everything in me to swallow my fear and climb on that thing with him, but I did it and I loved it.

And now I can drive one myself!

Take that fear!

*I promise I’ll be careful and I always, always, always, wear a helmet and protective gear. Even though I’m legally allowed to drive on highways and at night, I’ll be the weirdo taking back roads because twenty-five miles per hour feels really, really fast!

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