Does Fear Stop You?
Fear….a simple four letter word. How does fear show up in your life and stop you? I’m not talking about danger, but the fear of doing something you know in your heart is worth the risk. Fear has blocked me many times in life, but if I can recognize it for what it is, I am able to baby-step my way through things. What happens if you let fear consume you?
As a young farm girl, I loved animals. I grew up on a dairy farm, and for the record…the size of a dairy cow is significant, especially for a young girl. I can honestly say I had no fear of their size or strength, until the one day I will never forget.
At the end of each day, I would make my way to the cement barnyard, and through the cows, to get to the silver gate that separated the field from the barnyard. I rode the gate when the livestock were herded back to the barn each evening, as it swung close. It was a ritual I had with my Dad, and one of those special memories I will always remember. It was the end of a farmer’s day, but the ride of a lifetime for his daughter.
One evening, my Uncle Tom was helping, and he would be swinging the gate closed. As usual, I started my nightly walk through the cows to get to the gate. Rosie, my favorite rusty-red and white spotted cow stood directly in front of me. As Rosie lowered her head, she caught me under my chin and lifted me high into the air. I flew up and landed hard on my backside. I was so mad I stood up, put my hands on my hips and yelled, “YOU G*D D*NM COW!” Then started to cry as my Dad and uncle rushed to my side.
As soon as they saw I was OK for the most part, they started laughing so hard they couldn’t catch their breath, as blood dripped from my chin and tears fell onto my cheeks. My Dad scooped me up into his arms and took me home so Mom could attend to my chin.
What happened that day affected me for the remainder of the time we had the cows. Sadly enough, I don’t think I ever rode that silver gate again. I let the fear stop me from doing something I loved, and let it take my joy.
Does fear stop you? Fear can stop us in our tracks, but if we can recognize it’s importance, and are willing to take a risk…..the outcome will be worth more than the initial fear. Make the leap…..be fearless, and take a chance on you.
xoxox…..Sheryl