Dear Reader Column 1-20-05

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Dear Reader,

I'm always excited when I have a new idea; just can't wait to try it. But when it's time to make it happen--to begin--fear sets in and I start questioning my decision to jump into something new. "Oh no, what have I done? Can I really do this? What was I thinking? What if I can't make this happen? I'll be ruined."

I know the lines by heart, because I've repeated them to myself many times throughout the years. It's an irritating routine that I put myself through--silly really. But I guess it must serve some purpose--because in the end--most of the time I do jump in, and I'm glad that I did.

I remember the first time I questioned my decision to jump in. My parents had signed me up for swimming lessons. It was the first day and I was standing on the edge of the pool, staring down into the cold water. The words were a little different. Instead of, "What was 'I' thinking?" They were, "What were 'they' thinking?" But nevertheless, I still needed to face the fear.

I gave myself three options, and they're still the ones that I use today:

1. I could walk slowly into the three foot end of the pool, let my body adjust to the water temperature, and I wouldn't have to worry about getting in over my head.

2. I could jump into the deep end. One big splash and under the water I'd go. Quite an entrance, but it can be a real shock to your system. No doubt my arms would have goose bumps, and my body would be shaking from the cold--so much that I could hardly think. But since drowning isn't an option for me, I'd be forced to take action. Any action; swim, float, tread water, whatever I could do to stay afloat, until I warmed up and got my wits about me again.

3. I could not jump in, and play tennis instead.

I jumped in the deep end that first day I "faced the fear". And I usually jump in the deep end today, too. But I have learned some things along the way, because now I know how to swim.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.DearReader.com

P.S. Last week's cookbook winners were: Tamara Hannon, Linda Wehmueller, Victoria Jacobs, Jan Glasoe, Jamie Albritton, Matthew Hairell, Dale Baird, Ricki Marking-Camuto, Sally Shipley, and Wendy Easton.

Comments

[Terry Bain]

Boy does that sound familiar. That's probably why I'm always writing so many things at once, though. I keep jumping in and jumping in.

Thanks for sharing.

Terry
http://bainbooks.com