On thinking of Fear

Dear Sunny posted her wonderful thoughts on fear today.  Please read her words, they are beautiful and true.

She made me think of my own fears, most of those thoughts centered around making art. 

The drive that makes me create is also what holds me back from sharing my work. Oh, but the fear of a frown can keep me (and any artist, I think.) from showing my hand. Leatherwork has been the most encouraging art I have found yet.  I am braver with it somehow. Working catches my soul up so hugely that I have to share, no matter what.  It excites me that this fear of sharing has come to sit by me, and that in acknowledging its presence, I can push myself to show my work.  To DO something with it, instead of packing things away, like a squirrel.   I have bags of finished embroideries that only need frames, knit things that need photos... so many sketchbooks, endless ideas that never came to light, for fear of others' thoughts.

Fear is not something to be ashamed of having, so long as it is noted with honesty, and spoken of. It is what has kept us alive.  Keeping us from running across a busy street, encouraging us to smell the milk before taking a drink, to slather sunscreen on our skin.  It can be an asset. 

It can hold us back from pursuing our dreams. Not wanting to fail is a huge fear of everyone's. It is at the top of my list, that's for sure.  I worry. And fret. And fear. I could choose to go no further, to stay in safety, or venture out and explore the path ahead.  I am pushing forward with fear, I am tired of this place and need to move.

I take a deep breath, and take fear by the hand and thank it for it's help. I turn to courage, and it takes my hand and we jump in head first. There is a balance, and too much of either can crush a soul (or body!) Writing to you helps line up the fears I can move past. Thank you for reading this, it helps to say things, doesn't it? Especially when you say them to someone else - not just the cat. I am not going to reread this post and edit it. It is one I could comb over for hours. Here are my thoughts, I hope they reach you well.  

Speak your fears, or they may tie you down. 




Love to you all. 


xo
Cat