What do you have to fear?
I remember I had bought
candy bars for the other kids
in class the day they had the
school dance back in grade school.
I left the candy bars on their desks,
and tape recorded the dance while
I hid under a desk – afraid to go into
the gym where the dance was being held.
This might give you some clue to how afraid
of people I’ve been in my lifetime !
A few years ago my son’s mother convinced me
to sing karaoke at the bar of a casino we were in.
“ Attack that which you fear
and the death of fear is certain”
I remember I had to sit on a chair
because I was shaking so bad – and I had
to hold the microphone with both hands.
The song I chose was “Oh Donna” by Richie Valens :)P
Not sure why, other than it may have been the
first song I both recognized and liked on the list.
Did I mention yet I had a few drinks?
Dare I mention that we’d been taking courses
that dealt with overcoming fears??
Yeah… that might help.
So, I did it.
The most terrifying experience of my life.
The only thing that came as close was
the 2nd time – which was later that year.
Fast forward to present day.
The sinking feeling in my stomach as my name is called.
The sweat that begins to form on my upper lip as I stand.
I begin feeling numb as I walk in front of all the people.
It is still terrifying.
I take deep breaths to calm down,
knowing that in a few moments I have to sing.
Too late to turn back.
I play the song in my head, read the words
on the screen and try to make what comes
out of my mouth resemble what I know.
My eyes never leave the screen,
as my voice quivers and shakes.
One hand holds the microphone,
my fingers resting against my chin -
the only way I can keep it steady.
My other hand is in my pocket
to give the illusion that I am
not as terrified as I am.
” Attack that which you fear
and the death of fear is certain”
The song is over, followed by polite clapping.
I head straight for my seat – seeing no one.
My heart is racing a hundred miles an hour,
and it is all I can do to pretend like I did not
just escape from a life and death situation.
If you haven’t tried this, you should.
And not just for the reasons I’ve given 
You should do it because you’re sick and tired
of letting fear dictate what you do and do not do.
You should do it because you’ve let too many opportunities
slip away that you’ll never get back because you were afraid.
You should do it so you can stop wondering what might have been
had you only ______ … (you can fill in the blank)
You should do it so that your Life is filled with
fewer regrets and more joyful memories.
You should do it so you’ll just stop being so stopped.
And this has nothing to do with karaoke.
I heard someone ask long ago:
“What would you do if you knew you could not fail?”
Whatever your answer is to this question, I suspect
that fear has and will keep you from achieving it.
So my challenge to you:
Face the music; find the “karaoke” in your Life.
Press forward in spite of the fears
that would convince you otherwise.
It will make a powerful and positive impact
in virtually every part of your Life.
Let me know how it goes
” Attack that which you fear
and the death of fear is certain”
