Have you recognised fear?
Have you written a letter to fear?
The best-seller author Elizabeth Gilbert wrote a letter to fear in her book “Big Magic” goes like this;
Dearest Fear,
Creativity and I are about to go on a road trip together. I understand you’ll be joining us, because you always do.
I do acknowledge that you believe you have an important job to do in my life, and that you take your job seriously. Apparently your job is to induce complete panic whenever I’m about to do anything interesting – and, may I say, you are superb at your job. So by all means, keep doing your job, if you feel you must. But I will also be doing my job on this road trip, which is to work hard and stay focused. And Creativity will be doing its job, which is to remain stimulating and inspiring.
There’s plenty of room in this vehicle for all of us, so make yourself at home, but understand this: Creativity and I are the only ones who will be making any decisions along the way. I recognize and respect that you are part of this family, and I will never exclude you from our activities, but still – your suggestions will never be followed. You’re allowed to have a seat, and you’re allowed to have a voice, but you are not allowed to have a vote. You’re not allowed to touch the road maps; you’re not allowed to suggest detours; you’re not allowed to fiddle with the temperature. Dude, you’re not even allowed to touch the radio. But above all else, my dear old familiar friend, you are absolutely forbidden to drive.
Love Elizabeth.
I love the vehicle analogy. Life is just like a journey we are experiencing and we are meant to be in the driver’s seat.
Certainly, we are driving our car and sometimes (Not always!) we feel that fear is very next to us and know that they are trying to steal the handle.
When people ask how can we get rid of fear,
I answer, I don’t think we can but instead, we acknowledge it and put that in the rear seat. I can see fear in my back mirror but don’t do anything. Just acknowledge it’s there.
Occasionally, fear screams and claims what they want, just like a child.
Yes, just like a child. Let’s put them in the child's car seat with a 5-point harness on it. Gently send acknowledgement so they know they aren’t ignored by us, and stay together until arrive at our destinations.
Life is seasonal.
Life is a journey.
Let’s have some fun out of the time given to us.
Today we are the youngest in our lives.
With love and compassion,
Steph
P.S. I recorded my Letter to Fear if you are interested.
So good. Love your commentary on it. 🥰 And Big Magic is one of my favourite books!