I've been coming up with quite a list:
- I would read and compile lists like a normal person, instead of making these tasks the Scariest Tasks Ever.
- I would drive more.
- I would speak more freely. In academic settings, including this blog space, I would feel more free to speak about myself as a Christian (because then I wouldn't fear that my secular audience would turn away from me, fearing that I was "one of those people").
- I would allow myself to meet new people.
- I would accomplish much more (German, reading, practising music) because I wouldn't fear failing. I would learn, for once.
- I would practise my flute more often, because I wouldn't fear that other people could hear me.
- I would use kitchen knives far more often.
- I would speak up in academic settings more often, even though there's the chance that I will say something stupid.
- I would assert my emotional boundaries, and voice what I need, much more often than I currently do. (Apparently I've been reading the Boundaries book.)
- I would take responsibility for my own mistakes more often, instead of attempting to pass blame or justify myself. I would admit when I'm wrong.
- I would allow myself to succeed much more often, because I wouldn't be alternately fearing: a.) that everyone else knows more than I do, or b.) that my advanced knowledge/ability/education will make other people feel inadequate and they won't like me.
7 comments:
1. Flute? Ha! Try French horn! I haven't practiced for years because I feel novice brass players should not torture their neighbors, especially when there's already a screaming infant involved.
2. Just about everything said in an academic setting sounds stupid to someone. Don't worry about that person. Speak to everyone else.
3. Don't be afraid to speak about your faith. There's a difference between writing about faith and evangelizing, and you can trust your bright bloggy friends to know the difference. In other words, if you bring Jesus to this party, I won't head for the door.
What a great exercise. Fear can be so paralyzing .... even with minor things.
You do know that many of us share some of these issues, right? And, even recognizing that they exist, it's still often difficult to fight past them. *sigh*
Dude, I was totally thinking this list was going to be like, "bungy jump over a raging river, pants total strangers, laugh out loud when people fall over".
Or we could go the introspective route. Whatever.
Ah, we are such kindred spirits. It does help to remember that what other people think is (usually) just not your problem. (Of course the hard part is knowing how to do this).
Now the blogosphere knows how lynniec would behave, if she only were a little braver.
And you all are so good and supportive.
And Trillwing: I totally dare you to start practising the French horn again. I can play flute and terrible keyboard, and we could start a bloggy orchestra. Does anyone else have any instruments?
And I'd stop wearing pants.
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