Here it is the beginning of 2015 and already much has happened. Today my insecurity is not so much about writing, but about what I feel compelled to write. Book #3, Time Trials, has been lying around like missing body parts on a battle ground, waiting to be pieced together. Yet my thoughts are on the fragility of life. Within a week 2 young people I knew personally have died. Ashlee, age 21 was killed in a car accident, leaving behind a 3 year old little girl who will never know her mother. Spencer, age 25, a talented musician in the Houston area was randomly shot and killed while sitting in his truck at a red light.
In the blink of an eye life can be altered. It only takes turning on the news to hear of the atrocities on a daily basis. Have we become immune or simply numbed to the fact because at that moment the "incident" doesn't touch our lives personally? And then when tragedy does affect us personally, are we shocked the sun still rises every morning and people are routinely going about their lives?
I spoke with an 88 yr. old woman yesterday who told me she has decided to only watch the weather forecast on the news. I commended her on that.
When tragedy hits home, many turn to living a life of fear. I did that for most of my life. Not because of a specific tragedy, but just from the way I was raised. Around the age of 40, I realized the "Chicken Little" mentality no longer suited me.
I try not to use the words "I'm afraid" or "I fear." Not that the feelings don't crop up, I just don't want to put energy into them. I prefer the word "concern." Helps me stay away from the slippery slope of again becoming fear-based.
Life comes with no guarantees, but I refuse to live in fear.
Carpe diem...seize the day
Peace be the journey...
Nice pep talk! We never really know what life will bring is next, so it's important that we do all we can now. No regrets. No fear.
ReplyDeleteNo regrets. No fear...I like that Chrys...
DeleteThere's an acronym for "FEAR" I came across a while back....you can either: "Fear Everything and Run" or "Feel Everything And Recover." Good on you for choosing the second. Thanks for the inspiring words! I'm a new fan to your blog (found you through IWSG, thanks for commenting on mine) and run a segment called, "Sunday Series: Meet a Blogger!" I introduce a fellow blogger to my audience each week, and would love to feature your blog this upcoming Sunday. Would you mind if I gave you a shout out? If it's okay, just send me a quick email at randi.lee@mail.com and I'll make it so :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteRandi - Dang...replied to you and it's G-O-N-E.
DeleteFEEL EVERYTHING AND RECOVER - definitely!
Thanks for the visit and I've sent you an email about "Meet A Blogger!" I'm in:)
I think it's wonderful to try to move past our fear. It can be debilitating if we let it. And I'm so sorry about the loss of Ashlee, Mama T. And Spencer as well. Death is so hard, especially when someone goes before their time. Write for them!
ReplyDeleteI like that sentiment..."write for them!"
DeleteMakes me teary-eyed but uplifting.
Thank you for that dearest...
Hi, Terry,
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to be filled with fear because of the things that happen around us. Like that woman, I don't watch the news anymore because of the wicked and depressing things that are aired each day, not that I don't get regaled with them by my husband and friends.
I guess we have to do what we must, knowing that the unexpected can happen. Here's to having a fearless day.
J.L. - To a fearless day...(and I know what you mean about the husband/friends thing:)
ReplyDeleteAmen to living without fear, Terry. I came over from randi lee's blog. Good to meet you!
ReplyDeleteNot to jump in there with negative stuff, but I lost my husband of 27 years the first of this month and I am now back at work. It hit home, but he would not have wanted me to live the rest of my life in fear either.
I'm confident I have more to do in this world, and so I plug along, waiting for that sign which calls me to my duty.
Welcome!
Thanks for dropping by Diane. Don't feel you're jumping in with negative stuff...that's what this is all about. Since the writing of this blog post I lost another dear, dear friend (my age, I might add). I'm sorry for your loss...how many times have you heard that one? There must be something better to say. Grief is a strange thing. Even though you know he wouldn't want you to live the rest of your life in fear, your certainly have the right to grieve. And there's no time limit on grief or how one goes through the stages. Take your time and reach out again if you want. Besides writing, I'm also a counselor and a Hospice volunteer. Both of my books, though women's fiction, have to do with a death. When I step out of the fear/shock of losing someone dear, I'm often able to look at the bigger picture, I have to wonder what it's like for those who have crossed over... Peace to you, my new friend and I'm serious about contacting me (tlee.rosing@gmail.com)
DeleteI spent much of my younger days in fear and I missed out on so much. Fear can be appropriate in limited doses, but to live in the fear keeps us from living a productive and exciting life.
ReplyDeleteGood advice!
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Yes. I can relate. I'm tired of living in fear. I too, am making the most of my days now, being me, who I am and taking on whatever comes as best I can. Thank you for sharing this. I came over from Randi Lee's blog...
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Lisa! I'm glad you can relate and can make the most of your days. I'm not living in fear, however, I'm not sure I'm making the most of my days...:) Working on it though...
ReplyDeleteThanks again for stopping by.