[ loveNfriendship ] in KIDS 글 쓴 이(By): 구르미 (구르미) 날 짜 (Date): 2005년 1월 23일 일요일 오후 03시 07분 22초 제 목(Title): Re: The Language of Letting Go Jan 10 Fear Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. What if they are a little coarse, and you may get your coat soiled or torn? What if you do fail, and get fairly rolled in the dirt once or twice? Up again; you shall never be so afraid of a tumble. -- RALPH WALDO EMERSON Fear can be a big stopper for many of us: fear of fragility, fear of failure, fear of making a mistake, fear of what others might think, FEAR OF SUCCESS. We may second-guess our next action or word until we talk ourselves out of participation in life. "But I failed before!" "I can't do it good enough!" "Look at what happened last time!" "What if...?" These statements may disguise fear. Sometimes the fear is disguising shame. After I finished the first two chapters of a book I was writing, I read them and grimaced. "No good," I thought. "Can't do it." I was ready to pitch the chapters, and my writing career, out the window. A writer friend called, and I told her about my problem. She listened and told me: "Those chapters are fine. Stop being afraid. Stop criticizing yourself. And keep on writing." I followed her advice. The book I almost threw away became a NEW YORK TIMES best-seller. Relax. Our best is good enough. Even our failures may turn out to be important learning experiences that lead directly to - and are necessary for - an upcoming success. Feel the fear, then let it go. Jump in and do it -- whatever it is. If our instincts and path have led us there, it's where we need to be. --- Today, I will participate in life to the best of my ability. Regardless of the outcome, that makes me a winner. --- |