Facing Fear
Hiking and climbing in the forest.
I read an inspiring article in AARP Magazine recently by a 60+ year old mom who was terrified of heights and certainly of climbing a mountain.. She had watched her son take on the challenges when he was a young man. She wanted to understand what his interest and ability were all about, so she decided to find out. She joined a local climbing gym. Once she learned the skills, her fear began to disappear. By the time she turned 66 she was the oldest woman to scale El Capitan, towering 3,000 feet above Yosemite’s valley floor.
This remarkable story reminded me of my years of hiking in the Sierra Mountains, with other brave women, crowning my experience when I was 57 and reached the top of Mt. Whitney.
A good example of one of the mountains we hiked.
Facing fear is one of the great challenges of life. The author, Deirdre Wolonick reminds us that as we age, despite our concerns about breaking a bone or falling in a situation we have no control over, we have to win our battle with fear if we hope to keep on living and living well. I agree.
I’m not hiking anymore (going on age 86) but I have so much gratitude for the days I was able to.
What challenge will you face? Singing or speaking in front of a group? Learning to play Bridge? Playing the piano like you used to?
You name it. Then give it a try and wake up to the marvelous talented person God made you to be.
Isaiah 41:10 God tells us to not to fear. He says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Dear Karen, I know that facing fearis monumental in having a fulfilling anjoyful life. Positive visualization and prayer helps me to have the courage and willingness to move forward. For example, starting to paint again just for the joy of it instead of comparing my paintings to what I did years ago or creating what I think people would like to see. Also, learning to encourage myself as I’m starting up an exercise routine that will benefit my health so that I move forward with joy and courage. Consistency helps to abolish fear. Painting and exercising may seem unrelated. However, a positive internal dialogue helps me to create the atmosphere of moving past my fears of not being good enough or consistent enough. I was thinking about how David in the bible encouraged himself. This inspired me to encourage myself when I have fears. All of this leads to a more fulfilling and joyful life when we are successful in overcoming our fears.
Dear Karen, I know that facing fearis monumental in having a fulfilling anjoyful life. Positive visualization and prayer helps me to have the courage and willingness to move forward. For example, starting to paint again just for the joy of it instead of comparing my paintings to what I did years ago or creating what I think people would like to see. Also, learning to encourage myself as I’m starting up an exercise routine that will benefit my health so that I move forward with joy and courage. Consistency helps to abolish fear. Painting and exercising may seem unrelated. However, a positive internal dialogue helps me to create the atmosphere of moving past my fears of not being good enough or consistent enough. I was thinking about how David in the bible encouraged himself. This inspired me to encourage myself when I have fears. All of this leads to a more fulfilling and joyful life when we are successful in overcoming our fears.
Thank you, Sandy, for your wise and encouraging words. I’m so proud of the progress you made.
Facing one of my fears to sign-up for a writing class was how I met you Karen.
I’m so glad I took the leap of faith and climbed that mountain. I’m still learning and growing, but, now, I’ve been writing for my own blog for four years and love it.
Look forward to climbing more mountains with you this year.
Smiles, BRC
Your grateful student.
Hi Beth. I remember well when we worked together years ago. And now you have your own beautiful blog. Congratulations on stepping out and accomplishing your writing goals.
Thank you Karen. I pray you continue to reach your goals as well.
Smiles, BRC