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Well, I can certainly identify with having family members like that! Like you, I also must have been dropped off at the wrong house by the stork, because I’m a thrill and novelty seeker, not an avoider.
Oooooo, yes! I’ve come from the same line of fearful people! Fearful people who ALWAYS have to be right. I just brought up an idea to my mom and her first 3 questions were, not only in a super pessimistic tone, but also proving how it wouldn’t work. I don’t even think she’s aware of it. I have more my dad’s personality and possibilities are endless but it’s hard to be surrounded by others who don’t think like that.
Your zest and curiosity for life shines, Carol. Thank goodness you didn’t get their memo!!!
I am surrounded by people who believe that thoughts create reality and who advocate therefore for choosing thoughts carefully. I was among the most fearful of my tribe. I have had to work a little harder to be less fearful.
A newish addition to our tribe is showing me the debilitating effects of anxiety. It almost makes me grateful for my own fears, because at least now I have some point of connection to speak from.
I spend my life preaching that same sermon and am astounded that so many just don’t get it. Good post Carol
Mine are the kind who avoid conflict and pretend all is well. I’m the type who likes to pick every thing apart! Jose is convinced that I’m adopted! 😉
Hi Corinne. I pick things apart too! Hope you have a great week!
Are you sure they aren’t fooling themselves? I find that so very many do just that.
I come from a long line of people that pretend to be fearless but are actually immobilized by fear. And they love to espouse all of the reasons someone else isn’t doing LIFE correctly. It’s been a study in keeping my fingers in my ears. I Can’t HEAR You….
While there is some truth to what you said, everyone travels their own path. I don’t think moving away, or skiing, or climbing a mountain is for everyone. I know a lot of folks who are quite content without having to try new things. I have a best friend of 20 years who is like that. She despises change or trying new things and I have to twist her arm to do something “scary” – I’ve learned not to try to force her anymore. She is who she is and I’ve accepted that about her. I used to think that about people too – now I don’t judge them for their fears I just accept it even though it’s hard at times.
Excellent post. It is sad that many people don’t see that living in fear is only holding them back from enjoying life. Fear is really a form of paralysis that prevents true fulfillment and achievement of your life’s purpose.
Hi Carol. I can relate to those with fears. I spent a lot of time scared of my own shadow. I work at changing that every day. I do like to explore more now. I do like to try new things. But I haven’t quite conquered those fears, though. It is so much more rewarding to live life, really live it. Thanks for the reminder. Have a great week!
Yes my family is also like that, but I must admit, that I do live with some fears, especially when it comes to my daughter. I can’t help it, I’ve tried to change that but it keeps creeping up 🙁 Truthfully, I think it’s a personality trait.
Thoughtful post! …totally agree with you, there is so much to hear, learn and feel but we have very short time!
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Taking chances in life may bring heartbreak or disappointment, but how boring would life be without trying?
Good point! And I like how your writing style is at once poetic and firm. Tricky, tricky.
What a great post. Fear is something that holds a lot of people back but you will never be successful or truly happy if you don’t look fear in the eye and take chances in life.
I can certainly relate to having family members who are paralyzed by fear. Yet as you said they’re not fooling anyone. Not even themselves into believing the lie.
Fear is a terrible thing. It keeps people from risking, growing, and experiencing life. That said, I do agree with another poster who said that we all are traveling our own path or on our own journey. We shouldn’t allow fear to be our primary motivator. We should seek fulfilling, joyful lives.
And it’s not because we don’t want to change. Sometimes we want something terribly yet we’re not willing to change to even have the chance of obtaining what we want.
Matthew J. Kirby said it well: “Sometimes, when we want something so badly, we fear failure more than we fear being without that thing.”
Oh so sad but so true, I think also that people are afraid of making a wrong choice or afraid of making a fool of themselves. And then there is the fear of failure. My goodness if everyone operated from a place of fear there would be no new inventions, no more exploration, and no new relationships. It goes back to the age old question….. is the cup half full of half empty? Well, I don’t particularly care which it is, I’m just thrilled that there is something in my cup. And guess what? That very same cup is refillable so it’s a moot point, right?
I love your fearless nature Carol. I also love new adventures (travel and experiences).
My husband comes from a long line of these as well. I, on the other hand, had parents who pushed me to explore and who completely believed in the mantra that the only way to conquer fear is to go through it. Over the years I’ve worked to get the man out of his comfort zone but it’s a slow process. It makes me smile when I hear him say things like “Let’s try this or let’s go there.” That’s when I know we’re getting somewhere.
I find it so sad that so many people’s lives are ruled by fear. You have to go for it – whatever your “it” is.
As much as I crave routine and lack of change, I also am a bit of a thrillseeker. I’m really not sure how the two play together, but they seem to!
How very true and thoughtful. Thank you for the inspiration!
As I read your post I thought of the saying – one mans meat is another mans poison – thankfully we are all different. But I wonder if fear is the paralyzing element or comfort in their own world? Love it when I read an article that gets my brain churning, thanks!
I see clients being stopped in their tracks due to fear all the time – the fear of the unknown, of getting themselves “out there” of being exposed and more all prevent them from being truly successful in their business. What would the world look like if such fears didn’t exist I wonder!
I don’t mind trying anything new just once however I have limits. For instance I will never try sushi ever in my life as I just cannot even imagine attempting to consume any.
Fear can really take over your life and live your life for you.