My Seemingly Unconquerable Fear of Change

I am beginning to write my next book about my experience of fighting through an unexpectedly fearful athletic situation.  As I remember what it took for me to fight through that challenge, I realize I have additional fears to conquer - one of which is my fear of change.



I often hear people say that nobody likes change.  This may give people like me an excuse; those of us who allow our fears to prevent us from experiencing the world outside our safe, comfortable places.  If nobody likes change, then my avoidance of change must be normal... WRONG!  This is totally untrue and hurts me and those who live with me in my safe, comfortable place.  As much as it frightens me, I don't want to be the one who limits potential experiences because I avoid change.

For example, we live in an older house which is starting to show its age.  The thought of making necessary changes to our house makes my heart race and my mind becomes unsettled.  This isn't an exciting thing for me; it has paralyzing potential.  Thankfully, my wonderful Brenda knows these things need to be done and is trying to maneuver her way to help our simple, old house continue to be a comfortable place to live.  Now I need to find the courage to not be an obstacle for her efforts and, instead, use them as an opportunity to face change head on and lessen its monstrous effect upon me.  Why should I fear change or the unknown?  What is the worst that could really happen?

Thankfully, I can look to my father's example, who was most likely the one who shared this fear of change with me.  Last year he found a way to allow my mom to entirely redo the upstairs of their home, even though he could have happily lived forever with things the way they were.  I understand this was difficult for him, but he did it because he loves my mom.  I want those whom I love and my home to be more important than catering to my fear of change.  Sounds like a meaningful project for 2017, huh???!!!