Day 791

Gus will often “hide” from life. He hides from ANYTHING which might have the ability to frighten him. His list is long! Thunderstorms, fireworks, “Tummy Time” (he is afraid of being sent to the next room to avoid his little brother.), strangers, unseen ‘items’ he bumps into… Precious Boy!

I believe we are all afraid of something. Some of us are frightened more than others. Traumatic experiences can cause future fears, but fearing the unknown is debilitating . How can you teach yourself to face the future with bravery? That is a tall order indeed!

Like Gus, I have fears. However, my trepidation comes mostly from past experiences. I mostly fear things that I can’t control. If I can make a plan and prepare myself for a feared event, my bravery is legendary! If I have no control over a frightening occurrence, my fear goes into hyperdrive!

When I can prepare myself for a scary ordeal, things go better than when fear descends from nowhere. Unfortunately, fear comes at us at different speeds…the faster it descends, the less control is felt.

So, I take a lesson from my Gus. It will do no good to hide and refuse to face a fear. No matter the speed of its onset, to meet it head on, make the best plan in the time allotted and realize that most of my fears never fully come to fruition, fear can be met with strength and positive energy.

Hopefully, I will never be so frightened that I need to join Gus under the table. If that day comes, at least I will have a Golden Companion to comfort me!