I’ve been thinking 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.
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
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
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
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.
Great post Liz! What a great way to combat the “down, down” thoughtsâ¦
Ah fearâ¦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 Fearâ¦) 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 wisdomâ¦
Thank you, Christian!
It seems to be a universal truth that we all need to face our fears. 🙂