Marsie the Cat lives pretty fearlessly despite the fact that she is the smallest mammal in a house full of big mammals with really good jaw strength.
Despite the fact that the big, white dog is really protective of her doggy toys, Marsie continues to claim her space and live fearlessly even in her sleep. Here’s proof:
Yes, that is Marsie the Cat sleeping on the dog bed. And not only is she sleeping on the dog bed, she’s actually sleeping on the big, white dog’s favorite dog toy. Does Marsie care? No. She knows what she wants and she asserts her cat self and takes it.
Those of us who are sometimes overwhelmed by fear can learn a lot from the Mars Bars. Here are some things you can do.
- Find a cozy place if you can and claim it. Seek support if you have to. If your safe space is also the dog’s safe place, make sure that you have humans to back you up. That might be a coach, a counselor, or a really wise friend. Don’t let your fear keep you from going after what you really want.
- Be who you are and find people who will love you and protect you. Mentors and protectors are there to make sure the dogs don’t eat your face. Notice how your mentors live and survive those dogs. Take what lessons you can from them. Be you, but use other people’s strategies to push away that fear and protect yourself from it.
- Write – the best way to combat your fear of writing or being a failed, sucky writer is to actually write. Make a bargain with yourself and set a tiny goal if you’re feeling trapped by fear. Write 100 words if 1,000 seems daunting. Eventually it won’t.
Why Are We Afraid
- We’re afraid of other people’s judgement. We’re afraid they’ll think less of us and judge us for not being perfect. Big hint: Those people (and dogs) aren’t worth it. Big secret: If they judge you for trying hard? They are basically a troll and so not worthy of your time. Ignore them. Come hang out with me.
- We’re afraid of failing because we think failure is a big deal. It isn’t. It’s super freaking normal. But we get embarrassed about it. It’s okay. That embarrassment will pass. My skirt once fell off in front of a ritzy hotel in NYC. People saw my underwear. My underwear had hearts on it. The event was horrifying, but I totally survived and it didn’t go viral.
- Fear feels bad. For most of us, fear isn’t pleasant. It’s panic. It’s heart racing, sweaty, and just… it’s uncomfortable so we avoid it. Sometimes, we have to embrace it, to break through the terror and do what we are meant to do – write, live, create, connect. You can do this.
We believe in you!
Writing Prompt:
Are you afraid of failing? Write 500 words about that.
Life Prompt:
How can you be brave this week. Try it out. Let me know.
Random website link is here – www.carriejonesbooks.com
Where the podcast will be is here!
Full disclosure: I have never been afraid of anything as much as I am afraid of this podcast.
Writing Coach: I’m a writing coach sometimes. I am also teaching at the Writing Barn. It’s a lot of fun.
My next book, The Spy Who Played Baseball is coming out with Kar-Ben soon. Preorder Link
I love this post! Thank you.
Thank you! It’s so nice of you to take the time to tell me that!