People are afraid of all sorts of things.
Spiders.
Snakes.
Even clowns. Especially this one.
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| (Oh great, now I'm going to give myself nightmares tonight.) |
None of those really bother me that much. (Except Pennywise the Clown from the movie It. He bothers me.)
What am I afraid of? Silly things like writing a book.
I have at least six projects started. I'm not sure if all of them have the potential to turn into a published work, but a few of them do. I'm just afraid to sit down and put the time and effort into writing them.
I like the idea of a finished book, but I'm afraid, and so I do other good things so I have an excuse for not writing. It's not even that I'm that busy with those other things. I have plenty of time to write, but my anxiety keeps me stuck in limbo.
I'm unhappy with where I am, but I'm afraid of where I want to go.
I think I'm finally getting sick enough of my lack of forward motion that I'm ready to push ahead.
I had a little talk with my wise husband tonight. He must get so tired of repeating the same words of encouragement over and over. "I believe in you. I know you can do it, you just have to write the book."
I don't know what you're afraid of right now. Maybe it's a new job opportunity. Maybe it's a leadership role you don't feel ready for. Maybe it's a new relationship opportunity. Maybe it's a clown.
Whatever it is, you can do it. It's worth the risk to attempt it even if it doesn't turn out the way you hope.
I realize that I've missed a great opportunity in recent months. When I've been sitting at my desk and my anxiety rises about writing I've turned to Facebook and Netflix to escape my fears. Instead, I could have turned to God and talked to Him about everything I'm feeling. I could've prayed until the anxiety passed and I was ready to tackle that writing.
I'm going to try that this week. How about you?
Is there anything you've been afraid of lately? How can focusing on God help you to face those fears and move forward in spite of them?
Hi Robyn! It would be scary to actually write a book...and it's so easy to turn to Facebook instead of the task at hand (been there, done that). Maybe now is the time...give up your procrastination for Lent and dive into writing that book :) I'll cheer for you!
ReplyDeleteHi Lynn,
DeleteThanks for the encouragement. Give up procrastination for Lent - what a great idea! (Maybe I'll wait til next year) Keep cheering and I'll try to keep writing! ~Robyn
I am afraid of using my voice, and of being seen and heard. Thank you for the additional push this week! I love your blog and your writing voice. I am so excited to read your books! Go for it, Girl! You got the talent!
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you "Unknown." I appreciate the encouragement. I hope you feel more confident in the future and start using your voice to reach others. Maybe you can start small and send me a message on Facebook so I can pray for you by name (if not, that's okay, I'll still pray). ~Robyn
DeleteRobyn I relate to this so much. This entire new year for me is me trying to work past those fears. And the book fears boy do I know exactly what you mean. "What if no one wants it when it's done." "What if they DO want it?" "What if I can't do it again?" what if, what if, what if...YOu are so awesome and facing those fears makes you strong. Remember don't be afraid of the smallness of beginnings!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jessie! I'll be praying for you as you work through your fears, too. Let's just write the books and see what happens, OK?
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