Fear Is Not Your Friend
Fear has evolved to serve as a device to help protect our survival. The fight or flight theory is to protect us. In adults this mode of protection can become hypersensitive and turn to inhibiting and self-defeating actions. Most people do not have to run away from the tiger hanging outside their front door. But sometimes they need to move to a different work environment and they are afraid to take that first step because of the question. What if?
What do you fear?
I have figured out for me that fear is often the absence of knowledge. The moment you learn information, usually that fear dissipates. There was never anything hiding under your bed when the lights were turned on.
I have been exploring what I fear in life: past, present and future. Creating a list of fears and then going back and exploring each to figure out where those fears originated. I was taught as a child to be afraid of things that were not like me, things that were different. Not that they were necessarily bad but that I needed to mind my own business. I grew up in Indiana so there is not much diversity and fear was placed on all things that were different from us.
When I moved to Chicago this fear followed me. I was afraid of the city. It was big, busy and filled with many different types of people.
But something changed and the fear began to intrigue me and I wanted to learn more and experience everything that I could.
I have learned that the type of fear that was taught to me as a child does not serve me anymore. I no longer have to live my life in fear of the unknown. I do not want to be surrounded by individuals who limit their greatness because of their own insecurities. The ones that subscribe to the philosophy that it’s a big scary world out there… and you should be afraid.
I understand that there are many levels of fear. But why go through life with the fear of the unknown.
My art has challenged me greatly because to create can be scary. In order to create you have to be able and willing to give up control. Walking head high and boldly into what you fear most. This is how you find that tiny little kernel that will allow your art to have a creative soul.
What do you fear?
Why?
I know since I have placed a huge mirror in your hands the time has come that you want to point the reflection back at me. You are wondering what I am most afraid of… I personally have so many things that I want to do with my life. The list seems to go on and on. My greatest fear is that there will not be enough time for me to accomplish all that I want achieve.