Fear is something we all experience. Fear of failure, fear of not being enough, fear of just being. For me, the past few years have been an exercise of this. Fear of not having the ability to go on without my son, fear of moving cross country. Most recently for me has been the fear of not walking and not having the ability to do the things I love (traveling, walking on the shore of the ocean, even driving). I decided that, despite my fears, I would keep pushing forward. So, I go on without my son (I know he would want me to do so), I moved cross country to be near the ocean (I believe it has been one of the best decisions I have made).
Most recently, after a severe fracture in my right foot, I spoke with my orthopedist. I told him I wanted to walk again (without a wheelchair, without a cane). Just walk. I took it slowly, first walking with a cane in my house then walking without a cane. But I am doing this now, despite my fear of falling or further injuring my foot.
So, what is my life lesson? I have found that even if I have these fears, if I can push on for another day, there will always be something and/or someone that is worth tamping down that fear. I tell myself, you have got to keep swimming, despite the fear.
