The view from our airplane
One of my sons was nervous and wanted to back out. I gave the usual mommy speeches. It'll be fun. You have nothing to be afraid of. If you don't go for it, you'll regret it later.
Imagine my horror when he asked if I'd go with him. *gulp* I'm terrified of heights--I hate flying in big jet planes, and even face the door when I ride in a glass elevator. I couldn't figure out how to say no to my son, because I'd been cheering him on and urging him to conquer his fear.
I reluctantly agreed and sat in that small propeller plane behind my 11-year-old son. Once we were up in the air, I heard the pilot's terrifying words, "Garrett, you have the airplane." My son squealed with excitement as he took control. He did a great job, had the time of his life, and was so glad he went. As for me, I hope to never again fly in a small propeller plane for the rest of my life.
But I faced a fear head on, and that was no easy task (amazing what we'll do for our children, huh?). It reminded me how we writers face fears every day. Fear we're not good enough, fear of rejection, fear of ridicule, fear of stepping outside our comfort zones. But we do it, even though it isn't easy. No regrets, writer friends. No regrets.
If you're like me, and facing fears, here are some quotes that may help:
"You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith" -- Mary Manin Morrissey
"Fear is a darkroom where negatives develop." --Usman B. Asif
"There are very few monsters who warrant the fear we have of them." --Andre Gide
"To fear is one thing. To let fear grab you by the tail and swing you around is another." --Katherine Paterson
"I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear." --Rosa Parks
Whether it's writing related or not, what's your biggest fear? If you've faced your fears, how did you overcome them?