This is going to be a short post, because we’ve been having some severe storms and I’m going to crawl into my bed in a few minutes and pull the covers over my head.
Yup. I’m afraid of thunderstorms. Little ones don’t bother me, but the big ones? You know, the kind that rattle windows? They scare me to death. To death. A few years ago, there was a bad storm when I was at work. I was so obviously nervous the first grade class I was teaching that period started to sing so I wouldn’t be scared. Not kidding. I’m pathetic.
Some of you are laughing. I can hear you. However, I can’t help this–I’ve been like this since I was a little girl; the noise sets me off. It just does. Hurricanes, Nor’easters, Blizzards are no problem. Bring those high winds, rain and white-out conditions. Bad thunder? Look for me under the dining room table.
The thing is, I have to deal with it, so when I can’t put my husband in a death grip, or hide, I’ve found other ways to cope. My coping mechanism usually includes headphones, loud music, a book and chocolate. It works for me. That’s what we have to do when we’re scared of something…cope or let it consume us.
Whenever I let someone read something I’ve written, I feel fear. The idea that I’ve left myself vulnerable, that I’ll be judged, that what I’ve written is truly horrible, is terrifying. But like the thunder, I have to deal with that or the fear will keep me from reaching my goals.
So, tell me–what are you afraid of and how do you deal with it? What have your fears taught you about yourself? When it came to my writing, I discovered the fear of failing because I never tried, was scarier than anything.
Even thunder.
