I’m trying to take my daughter’s advice. Six months ago when I went to France she told me to heed Eleanor Roosevelt’s advice: “Do something you are afraid to do every day.”
On that trip, I went to a topless beach (and remained “topfull”, but wore a bikini for the first time ever) and spoke terrible French to any passerby who was kind enough to indulge me.
Recently, I went indoor skydiving at iFLY and drove a snowmobile for the first time ever on a glacier in Iceland.
Those things still sound scary to me, so I get what Eleanor means. I had a rush of pride when I accomplished those things. But my day-to-day list of scary things, can be tame.
- Calling people for money
- Going door-to-door for anything
- Trying on bathing suits
- Driving into the “Big City” to a place I’ve never been (just made my hubby take me last Tuesday!)
- Getting a whole new hairstyle
- Eating bugs…on purpose
- Riding a motorcycle (nope never did it…may have to do with a terrible accident from law school)
- Riding a bike in traffic
- Using power tools
- Posting harsh political points of view on the Interwebs
- Snapchat
On the one hand, based on this list, I could do something scary every single day. On the other hand, I’ve done all those things except the motorcycle (I did do a moped on an island once and cried the entire time I was driving, does that count?) but they still scare me.
I’m not quite sure what Eleanor is trying to tell me. Perhaps I need to contact her through a medium, like Theresa Caputo. But that’s too scary.
Oh, and Eleanor never said that, so I’m off the hook.
“You Just have to Laugh…..”
©2017 Cathy Sikorski
On the other hand, I’ve done all those things except the motorcycle (I did do a moped on an island once and cried the entire time I was driving, does that count?) yes!!
had to smile at this one Cathy. ride one at 120 mph now that’s a rush. of course that is not just one time. yes I ride, and for many years. the moped counts in my book. it’s 2 wheels in tandem. 🙂 !!!!
Thanks for counting the moped, Jerome. I take it as a badge of honor. More power to you with your motorcycle riding. I know it’s a rush and we need as many of those as we can muster….life is too short!
You go, girl! When I feel fearful, I try to imagine “what’s the worst that could happen?” If death isn’t a possibility, then I can usually overcome my fear and give it a whirl. Or default to a glass of chardonnay…
Okay, I”m liking the default option. TAking you’re wisdom!
I’m afraid to stand on a high place (like the top of the Empire State Building or a balcony of a 20th floor apartment) unless there is a SOLID, chest high wall between me and falling to a tragic, messy death. This is a real drawback when I am asked to sing from a choir loft in church, because I have to position myself away from the railing, preferably behind the organ, and NEVER on steps or risers!! >.<
Call me a coward, but if I ever take an elevator to the top of the Empire State Building I am staying safely INSIDE. If anyone makes me step outside, whatever happens will be on THEIR head!! 😛
Omg. I love the top of the Empire State Building…but it seems really safe to me. You’ve made me feel good about my fears, though. Misery loves company!
Do it all except the cycling in traffic. Find a quiet lane to enjoy the wind in your hair !
I know. I am going to Amsterdam in the fall and I’m already nervous about biking there. But I just keep doing this stuff! Thanks for the encouragement!