Today’s Prompt:Surprise by Ashley Ambirge
I will not hide my tastes or aversions. I will so trust that what is deep is holy, if we follow the truth, it will bring us out safe at last. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Think of a time when you didn’t think you were capable of doing something, but then surprised yourself. How will you surprise yourself this week?
(Author: Ashley Ambirge)
Read the post online: http://ralphwaldoemerson.me/ashley-ambirge
Oh dear, I must admit that I am not really good at “stretching” myself. It often takes quite a bit of effort — and a bit of angst — to do something truly outside my comfort zone. Last year, I was asked to perform in a play for about 6 weeks total here in LA, in Bakersfield and in Tehachapi. It took everything I had to agree to this and then even more to actually walk out on stage after 25 years away. My degree is in theater, but I did everything there, both on-stage and off. I was typically more comfortable behind the scenes.
One way I face these fears is to try and clearly see when the benefits of doing something outweigh the fear of doing it. I might not like large crowds, but if I want to attend something like Maker Faire I simply have to deal with it. The sights and sounds I see there far outweigh the momentary angst of dealing with the crush of people. On the other hand, taking in a game at Dodger Stadium holds no such value for me. If I am going to watch a game at all, I would rather do it in the comfort of my own home.
The goal is to find those special instances when the benefit outweighs any fear or anxiety. Too often, we simply close ourselves off from everything, as it is mjuch easier than trying to analyze every event, every opportunity. For your own well-being, you need to, at least, take the time to analyze opportunities and not dismiss them out of hand. If you start doing that, your life will start to atrophy and you will wake up in a couple of years wondering what happened to all the neat stuff you used to do in your life.