What is fear? I think a better question might be, what is YOUR fear? When I was an infantryman in the US Army I didn’t know what fear was. Until I was on patrol and heard pop shots in the direction we were headed. I remember taking a step back in my mind (“oh shit this is real”.) But that is a sort of a different kind of fear. I was an infantry team leader in charge of 2 other guys. I instructed classes in front of large groups without a care. But now…as a nearly 40 year old civilian business owner a new fear manifested itself…public speaking. For someone reason I lock up when it’s my turn to talk. All of the valuable and insightful things I rehearsed in my head get scrambled, shallow breathing, heart pounding. What and the hell? What’s that about? Fear. I’m afraid I’ll seem less intelligent than everyone else. I’m afraid someone might judge me. I might say the wrong thing or seem like a complete donkey. But fear is an illusion. There will ALWAYS be someone that judges you, and there will always be someone that hates you. So why be fearful of saying the wrong thing in front of those people? 98% of the room could love what you have to say an genuinely be interested. Don’t let the 2% smother your flames. Stare fear down. Fear is contagious and it’ll bring predators around. So lift the mask and stare at its hollow eyes and watch it disappear like a wisp in the wind. This is me telling myself as much as it is you. Don’t be afraid of an illusion. You got this. Don’t quit because of an illusion. Whatever your fear is it’s never more powerful than YOU.

Posted by Adam Robinson at 2025-04-10 05:41:54 UTC