July 22, 2011

My Experience with Cliffs and Decisions

published this at 8:01 am

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about falling off cliffs.

I’m fairly sure I was born with a fear of heights.

My uncle, the photographer, didn’t have such fear. And as I recall, the rest of my family didn’t either.

And my uncle — the one with all of the expensive photography equipment — would find every opportunity to take pictures that involved standing my cousins and I near dramatic scenery.

I was always the one who ended up on the cliff side. It was always impossible to find my smile.

Even now, I can’t walk up to the edge of a cliff without thinking that the stone will give way. My imagination has me tumbling, down, down, down . . . even though, I’m fairly certain that’s not meant to be a scene in my life.

I used to have the same experience with decisions. Choosing any option would leave wondering whether the choice would fall out from under my feet. Then I realized the only thing between me and every success I every won was a decision that I would succeed.

Maybe it’s the awe inspiring beauty of the world that sets me on my heels.
Maybe it’s the awe inspiring idea that I can determine the course of my life.

I still respect cliffs and decisions, but now I place my feet firmly in where I stand so that down, down, down isn’t on mind.

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Filed under Motivation-Inspiration, Successful Blog | 6 Comments »


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6 Comments to “My Experience with Cliffs and Decisions”

  1. July 22nd, 2011 at 8:17 am
    Wayne McEvilly said

    Well Liz, as I search the blogosphere while in pursuit of the answer to my question: ‘What do I want my blog to be when it grows up?’ once in a while I come upon a blogpost that resonates, and I try to learn a thing or two from it.
    This cliff post is one like that.
    I still take a look at ‘Needy Pink’ every now and then.
    O.K. to the point: this cliff one resonates – it says something (that’s really important) and it says it clearly, simply, unequivocally..
    I like that.
    I aim for that.
    Thanks.
    Wayne

  2. July 22nd, 2011 at 8:24 am
    Ana said

    Hey Liz,

    Great post! It’s funny how the thing I need to be reminded of comes to me in different ways. In this case, this post. Yes, I have made decisions and wondered if they were for the best.

    Like you did, I too need to place my feet firmly, make the decision and not think about what could go wrong or that I would fail. I need to strengthen the belief in myself and carry through on the decisions I make and stand tall.

    Thanks!
    Ana

  3. July 22nd, 2011 at 9:00 am
    thea atkinson said

    Nice post. I’m afraid of confined spaces, of being pinned down, of being cornered. All of our fears give us life lessons, I believe. I love how you wove yours in to the narrative.

    thanks for a thought provoking post

  4. July 22nd, 2011 at 6:56 pm
    Guru Eduardo said

    Liz good article!

    I keep reminding myself that all the best achievements and most fun in my life was found when I’m outside of my comfort level.

  5. July 25th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
    Christian Messer said

    Great post Liz! What a great way to combat the “down, down” thoughts…

    Ah fear…that “friend” who is in control all to often, in my life anyway. Before I read this post, I read one by Benny Hsu – “Feel the fear and do it anyways” – and after reading yours I realize that the universe is telling me something.

    I have the book, (Feel the Fear…) and yet haven’t read the entire thing. For me I think I must make it a priority. With these two posts, along with all the other (a client’s website showing me ‘Fearless Living’ by Rhonda Britten, for example) cues I’ve been presented with – it’s high time to get it done, so to speak.

    Appreciate your work and wisdom…

  6. July 28th, 2011 at 9:24 am
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Thank you, Christian!
    It seems to be a universal truth that we all need to face our fears. :)

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