Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Fear Musings

A wise man once said "the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself".  While I do agree with the statement's obvious nod to the ultimate fear, fear of the unknown, I have to wonder if there aren't some fears that are more real and immediate that are equally valid.
But, what if we're misunderstanding the meaning of the word "fear" in that statement?  Sometimes, when we may feel that our worlds are crashing down around our feet, or even simply a consistent dark and dreary existence, the thing that seems the most "scary" is what is immediately in front of us.  That which creates misery and seems unending can seem more life-sucking and fear-inspiring than anything that Hollywood could ever cook up in the most warped of horror flicks.  And many times, the thought of facing those dark things is harder, more exhausting, scarier than any of them in actuality.
In retrospect, that "fear itself" phrase is much deeper than surface level.  Fear of the unknown, on any level, encompasses every ounce of every uncomfortable or sad or lonely or painful feeling, every situation possible.  It can cause tears or chest pains or blind flailing adrenaline, that without the ability to harness that energy and turn it around on the issue, the negativity and fear can completely take over, and imagination running wild with the worst case possibilities will ruin you.
Fear itself.  Maybe that is the fear of all fears.

~ The Girl In The Little Black Dress

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