Fear paralysis – it’s a real thing. It stops us from going to the dentist or the doctor. It prevents men from initiating with a woman; or vice versa. Fear shuts down good ideas. It whispers that you are sub-standard and that no one would want to hear what you have to say.
I have always thought of fear as a hungry dragon; a bully. Someone who will take whatever ground you give it and unashamedly ask for more.
Many of you know that each year, I try something new. 2015 it is the year of writing – in public. I have long desired to publish a book – this blog is the beginning of that process. Putting something out there for people to engage with.
But it’s scary.
More so that I would have anticipated.
It is fear producing, because I can’t sit down with you and read your expressions. I can’t tell if you are misunderstanding what I am trying to say. I can’ t add extra words or fill you in on the back story. I can’t know where you are coming from as you read my words. Perhaps I will say something and you will disagree. It’s allowed. We all have our own opinions. Yet, in a virtual format, I see people being more direct (and rude) than they are in person. Anonymity seems to give license for aggression. For a die-hard introvert who is fairly private, an online presence feels somewhat naked.
Yet, I love to write. And I feel I have something to offer to the world, to you.
My writing is about exploring this – pushing both of us to examine our lives and stretch for better versions of ourselves. Some of the content will be quite practical – really, about making decisions to streamline life. Other posts will dive into the emotional, philosophical, WHY spaces of our lives. Because all action comes from a deeper ‘why.’
So. I dance with my fear.
I invite you to join me to dance with yours. To comment, to share your stories, to “Like” and “Tweet” and “Share” – I am looking for People willing to give feedback. Fellow Travelers. Allies. Explorers.
Will you come along?
If you could see my expression after reading your first offering you would see a smile on my face, respect, appreciation and gratitude in my eyes for the professional, friend and “companion along the way” that you surely are.
to me and anyone fortunate to come across your path. Yes… I’ll happily join you!
Gayle
How real and courageous to move forward, not in the absence of fear, but in spite of it. I too long to move in real growth free of fear’s shackles. I think I realize that fear is a liar: a persuasive, invidious smooth-talking, perspective stealing, liar. When I hear, and listen to, fear, I sink deeper into dark immobility of heart and spirit. In casting aside fear, or moving into places of desire in spite of fear’s fire-breathed lies, I have enter into an expansive space of … Being more fully me.
Thank you, Miriam, for risking in spite of fear to share your gift of self with us. You are a beautiful treasure in every way. I am richer as a result.