Facing Fears

Everybody is scared of something. Some fears may seem silly, because according to experts, our fear source are magnified in our minds. There are lots of reasons for being fearful. Usually they stem from something that may have happened during childhood or a bad experience.

I can’t explain where my personal fears come from. Clowns frighten the begeebees out of me. Okay, this guy is especially scary, and he’ll be deleted on the blog is up and running, but all clowns look like this to me. They give me the creeps.

I am not fond of flying either. I do it if I have to, but I don’t enjoy it. For years, I hid my dread from my kids, because their dad told me if they were aware I was scared, then they’d be frightened too. I revealed my air panic once they were adults. Guess what? Neither of them like to fly.

I’m not a fan of thunderstorms. Although I’ve survived an F-5 hurricane and F-5 tornado, neither was the reason for my anxiety. I didn’t like them as a child, and I don’t care for them now. My dog shakes through them too. Together we hide under the covers until the storm blows over.

Finally, I’m terrified to speak in public. I’m sure I am not alone. Last weekend, I had the privilege to speak at the Moody Community Library’s annual tea. I was nervous the whole week before. I contemplated writing what I would say and reading, but decided to wing it instead so I’d sound more natural. I rehearsed for my dogs many hours before showtime, stumbling the whole time.  This turned out to be an easy fear to face. The crowd was small, but energetic, and they put me at ease right away. I ended up having a wonderful time and met some great people. Maybe some fears aren’t warranted.

Speaking in front of others may be the one fear I defeat.  I hope so.

Okay readers, what about you? What terrifies you the most?