What is fear? nothing at all.

"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it." Nelson Mandela

There are so many things that come into my mind when I hear the word FEAR. I'm sure there isn't a person walking around today or any day who hasn't felt fear. I think of all the men and women in the military who have gone to war. I have never been to war so I can only imagine their fear. But I have felt fear many times. I felt fear when I was in elementary school and had to give my report in front of the class. That was the first time I did that. I felt fear when a girl name, Thelma, would always pick on me when I was in the sixth grade. One day she followed me home from school. She kept calling me names. I turned around and told her she better leave me alone. She said, "Oh really and if I don't?" She came toward me and grabbed my arm. I hit her and we started fighting. I fought with all my might until an adult passing by stopped the fight. I started crying. But guess what? She never bothered me again.
I remember when I played the piano on the radio. I was  so nervous I could barely hold my hands steady. I mean really? No one could see me because it was on the radio but I knew people were listening. My piano teacher and my parents told me I could do this. Once I sat down and started playing, the fear went away.

As I got older, there were many things that brought fear into my heart. I bet you can think of many things that brought fear into your heart. Even as adults the feeling of fear never goes away. Things still happen in our lives that bring fear. Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Do it in spite of Fear." How many times have you heard that said? Think of all Nelson Mandela went through fighting against Apartheid in South Africa. He was imprisoned for 27 years. So what happened to him? Was he afraid? I'm certain he was but he fought for freedom and fairness in spite of it. How did it end? After 27 years he was finally released from prison. He became the first Black African to be president of South Africa. Now, that is certainly triumph over FEAR. 

As a writer I have lots of fear. When I self published my first book, I was so scared but I had a wonderful group of writers who supported me. Many times that is how we over come our fears. We have family and friends who are there for us. Who are saying,"Yes, you can do this. Step out. Take the leap." So I stepped out and took the leap. Guess what I discovered? Many people liked my book. Yes, I was afraid but it was also exciting.

Is there something you want to do but are afraid? Please don't use your age as an excuse to not do something. Step out and give it a try. I'm sure you have family and friends who will support you. If not, find that someone who will support you. I know that person is there. With the help of them, I know for sure that even with the fear inside of you, you can succeed. I'm looking forward to seeing you in the success lane.