2.9.10

Thursday Musings: Revisiting Childhood Fears

"Courage is the complement of fear. A man who is fearless cannot be courageous. He is also a fool." Lazarus Long

Recently, I took the plunge and joined Mamakat’s Writer’s Workshop. I signed up this blog and my WordPress blog because I realized it was time to break the once a week blogging cycle. So far I am enjoying the process and even added another Thursday writing exercise with Redhead Riter. All is well.

Every week, Kathy of Mamakat’s devotes part of her busy schedule to send writing prompts to the group. We choose one from a short list, write on it and then add it to a page link where everyone gathers to click and give comments/support to at least 3 other bloggers.  Just like the blog hops, the writing list provides a concrete way for the group to share a common goal and support each other with comments.

Mama's Losin' It


This week’s prompt: Write about Childhood Fears you've taken into your Adult Life.
My first reaction to the prompt was to say, "Oh come on, I have no carry over fears…" But I thought about it some more and decided that it would be a good challenge to revisit the scary “demons” of my childhood and figure out which ones had been put to bed and which, if any, still needed an exorcism. 

Would you like to join me and reminisce for a moment? You might actually shock yourself to find out that some might still be hanging around the edges, looking for a vulnerable moment to tap you on the shoulder and say… “I’m back!”  Now I’m scaring myself. Lol! This brings me to my first fear:

A Fear of Ghosts: I think all children have a vivid imagination so the realm of ghosts is not so far fetched. Being exposed to lots of childhood stories about gremlins and spooks meant I imagined them to life. At one point in my childhood, we lived near a burial ground and we would see small dogs and old women come into our bedroom at night. Yikes! As an adult, I have rationalized it all as my imagination so it doesn’t scare me as much… but there’s a tad left.

A Fear of Scary Movies: Horror movies or movies with outrageous monstrous characters often gave me nightmares. Whenever I watched a psychological thriller or a horror flick, I’d have flashes of it for days… Even now as an adult, I stay away from that genre of movie making. I don’t get the point of going to the theater to scare myself witless. I don’t want to find out.

A Fear of Bugs: I think the thing with bugs is that I couldn’t bring myself to touch them and that translated into a fear of being near them. I think most bugs are harmless and I can ignore them in a park or public place. Multiple legged bugs, like millipedes and poisonous bugs/insects like scorpions, still give me goose pimples; the fear lingers a little bit... okay, a lot. :-)

A Fear of Dying: This is a universal fear that most humans have and I think that, at different points in our lives, we overcome it or accept the inevitability of life’s final outcome. The point is that instead of worrying about dying; we should focus on living the best life we can. I value my life, the lives of my family, friends, and the lives of others so my fear has turned into an appreciation of life and the importance of … living it.

A Fear of War: As a war survivor, I still have vivid memories of jet fighter planes zooming overhead, dropping murderous bombs everywhere, and leaving mayhem and madness in its wake. I recall all the accompanying atrocities that are ubiquitous to war zones and still shudder. War is never an option and I fear that if our global leaders relax their peace efforts, our children will inherit a nightmare. I still fear the impact of war. Another thing that ties in with war is the fear of not having enough emergency supplies to help the sick and wounded… Thankfully, there are many agencies today that make it their goal to ensure supplies get through.

The Fear of Bad Food: I have had food poisoning a few times in my life and it wasn’t pretty. I was always a picky eater as a child and I remain particular about what and where I eat. I’ve had food in typically acceptable venues and gotten violently ill; so it isn’t unique to specific types of places.

My mom was a gourmet chef and I enjoyed many creative and tasty dishes in our kitchen and at mealtimes; I definitely love great, freshly prepared foods.  I love trying new foods but still fear eating something nasty like the clams (I’m allergic to them) I had at college that almost did me in. That fear still stands.
My childhood fears are not quite as griping as they seemed back in the day. My journey to fearlessness is made easier by my willingness to look at my fears.
What are your fears? Do you share any fears or phobias from my list above? Have you overcome or given yourself a logical explanation for any of your fears? Do share. Thank you!

PHOTO CREDITS:  
Evil Smiley by Puppy94_photos via Photobucket

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©

Elizabeth Obih-Frank


36 comments:

  1. Fear of death is the worst fear of all.
    Great post!
    Thanks for sharing!

    http://dwivedi2326.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-childhood-fear.html

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  2. Wow - you're a war survivor?!? That's something that scares me, too, although I've never "been there" myself. It makes me scared to think about what things would be like if unrest made it's way to the US.

    Great list! I only wrote about my fear of water....figured I should stick to one instead of a 60 page thesis on the things that make me wig out. HAHAHAHA

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  3. Hi there! We are you newest fans, hope you will return the follow over to www.justmarriedwithcoupons.com

    Have a fantastic day!

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  4. Great fears, well, you know what I mean. I can't even imagine being a war survivor. I guess I am fortunate or have not lived much of a life but I was stuck on the childhood/adulthood fears prompt.

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  5. Thanks for linking up with us over at Sassy Sites for Feature YOU Friday! Be sure to check back often for features and giveaways! Have a fabulous weekend! xoxo

    Marni @ Sassy Sites!
    www.sassysites.blogspot.com
    "MY blog is all about YOU!"

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  6. Very Interesting post. Thanks for stopping by my blog

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  7. Very Interesting post. Thanks for stopping by my blog

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  8. What a great list. If I was a war survivor, I'm sure I'd have that fear too - I have security issues as it is!

    I watched horror movies with my teenaged aunts and uncles when I was little - Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte still gives me nightmares. I can't watch anything scary still. My kids laugh. My tolerance level is very low for horror movies and tear-jerkers so I provide added entertainment on family night!

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  9. Doing a writer's workshop or challenge does help. Back in May, I did a 30-day, post every day blogathon. It definitely helped me get over my hump of posting whenever....Childhood fears, yowza. I won't watch scary movies or anything about ghosts because I get too spooked. I had experiences with spirits when I was a kid and a young adult. I still prefer to not go there. :-)
    I could ramble, but I shan't. I'm looking forward to exploring your blog more.
    Su-sieee! Mac
    This and That. Here and There. Now, Sometimes Then.

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  10. Stopping by Boost MBF!
    I love your blog and I'd love if we'd follow one another.
    I always follow.

    Hope you have a great weekend!
    B

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  11. thank you so much for your kind words! i am following you back

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  12. Thanks for linking up to Bee Funny Friday Follow. I am a new follower!
    Lolo
    www.crazyaboutmybaybah.com

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  13. That is such a powerful post!
    Great quote and list too.:)

    Stopping by to thank you for your wonderful comments and for the follow.
    I am now following you back.
    Nice to meet you and have a lovely long weekend!

    B :))

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  14. I still have fears about watching scarry movies sometimes and cover my eyes when what on screen gets too much for me.
    I guess certain fears still take time to get over.

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  15. Hi'ya! Thanks for visiting my blog..I like this post...I can't really think of anything that scares me that I brought over from child, I love scary movies, I also pick up bugs and move them to safer spots...I can't wait to see what comes after death, so not scared of dying (it will be great to end this chronic widespread pain anyhoo) I do worry a bit on how this world will be when my grandbabies get older...but I guess I do have one fear that has gripped me since I can remember...disappointing the ones I love...yea that scares me...


    ~Peace~

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  16. I don't even want to think about it. Whatever they are I have been very effective a burying them and I like it that way :)
    Thanks for linking up at Home Grown Families Friday Blog Hop! We're following you now!
    Tiffany

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  17. I liked the quote too!

    My fear would have to be public speaking. Always has been. Thankfully it's been mitigated through exposure to plenty of public speaking classes and presentations in college. It still lurks, though.

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  18. Thanks so much for stopping by! Although now I have millipedes on the brain and that's making my shiver! :)

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  19. What interesting & thought provoking stuff you have here! I have to say that my biggest fear is now only something happening to my kids. Thanks for the visit. I'm your newest follower.

    http://livingwellspendingless.blogspot.com/

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  20. Hi. I am a new follower from Follow Us Monday Morning. Check out my blogs when you you have a chance. Thanks!!
    ~Allison
    You Have How Many Kids??
    The Crazy Cupcake

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  21. I had the scarry movie fear as a child. I final watch Jason and it was quite dumb but as a child oh no that man scared me.lol

    You too can overcome your fear, trust and pray to God to get rid of that spirit and guess what, he will!!!

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  22. following you :) love your reading your blog!

    best,
    april

    www.marineparents.blogspot.com

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  23. You grabbed this one by the horns! LOL!! Loved it! I remember all kinds of fears... death being one. I don't know that I fear that one so much, anymore. Maybe more the fear of HOW I might die... ;p (((HUGS))) to you!!

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  24. Little late in getting by everyone's blog...new GFC follower and Networked blogs follower! Thanks for joining us on Surfin' Saturdays!
    Beth @ Two Monkeys & a Washtub
    http://www.twomonkeysawashtub.com

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  25. wow I am so torn here,,,,stopping by from FMBT....so glad I did...just looking for your button nd link up

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  26. Happy Tuesday. I am your newest follower from FMBT. Thank you so much for stopping by.
    Best wishes,
    Cindi
    Little Yayas

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  27. Hi from your letest follower. Just calling by via Wednesday Blog Hop. Love meeting new people here and reading about their lives. Love your post. One of the fears I had was about something happening to my mum. I use to get homesick. Come by and check out my blog www.jamarahcraftycreations.blogspot.com

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  28. Hi, I'm your latest follower from welcome wednesday
    You have a great skill on writing, and I really enjoy every part of your posts, great job !!

    Hope a visit from you
    Citra @ innocentia
    http://childhood-obsessions.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi, I'm following you back now!

    I would love to work with you! I'm still looking for a few more guest bloggers, if you're interested let me know!!

    Have a fabulous day!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi, I'm following you back now!

    I would love to work with you! I'm still looking for a few more guest bloggers, if you're interested let me know!!

    Have a fabulous day!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I am following you now thanks to Welcome Wednesday! It would be nice if you could share the love back on my blog;)
    And don't forget today is your last chance to sign up for our amazing giveaway: two custom blog banners! Also for more easy HTML tutorials, or help increasing your blog's traffic, you know where to come!
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    ReplyDelete
  32. I'm not one to embrace my fears (hence my recent whiny tetanus shot post!) I just had to comment back to point out that the "little one" wanting a Nascar cake is actually my husband. LOL :)

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  33. Amazing post!

    Here from Follow Me Back Tuesday to return your follow & wish you a great week!

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  34. Found you from Welcome Wednesday. Now following you! Great blog!

    Ashley
    Sewmuchmoreinlife.blogspot.com

    PS. Your blog is really great...Just makes me a little said because my first dog was named Kizmit...Another spelling of your kismet!

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  35. Howdy there! Thanks for visiting my site yesterday:) I always love to hear back from new people!
    You said you want me to help you move, but i didn't understand what or where, so if you want to get to details feel free to contact me at my email address provided at the top right corner of my site(right under the sponsors:), and we'll be in contact!
    Have a great day!!

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  36. It's so great to see how you turned this blog too into a great blog and to see you have 42 comments on this post.
    Inspiring really, eventhough the topic is fear. I think my fear is to become so poor that I couldn't even buy food anymore. I'm working on it though.
    Have a nice day.

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