2.05.2012

Face Fear Head On

I had kind of a lot to say the other day.  I won't take a lot of time to explain but will just let you read the journaling.  It goes like this:


"Last night, I was reading the book, ‘Healing Back Pain’ by Dr. John Sarno.  It’s the third time I’ve read it because it has a profound impact on a person’s life.  This time, I started because of some recurring tendonitis that I believe is related to TMS. (read the book if you want to know what that is, and believe me, it will be a worthwhile endeavor!)  It’s been helping with that. But the thing that really grabbed me last night was the description of the types of people who tend to suffer with TMS.

The first thing that jumps out at me is ‘perfectionistic’.  Yep, that is me.  I've been called an overachiever.  I can’t deal with something being just ok.  It has to be over the top fantastic or it’s not good enough.  I actually like that about myself in some respects.  That is to say I usually like the end result.  However, I’ve come to realize that in part it’s a reaction to fear.

I wanted to take some time and list some of the fears that I struggle with.  Maybe if I put them down on paper they’ll have less power over me.  Or at least I’ll recognize when they are affecting my actions and I need to do something different.  Many of them are completely unfounded and unreasonable.  Some are the result of experience, but are still not reasonable in a general sense. Some are realities that I must live with.

Face the fear.

  1. People will not approve of me unless I am always ‘on my game’.
  2. If I make a mistake, I’ll be dismissed or discarded.
  3. I will come home to my house having burned down.
  4. If my phone is ringing it’s because someone wants to speak to me about something I’ve done wrong.
  5. I will appear foolish.
  6. I will appear to be unattractive.
  7. I will be disliked.  I am disliked.
  8. My husband will leave me.
  9. I will devastate someone.
  10. I will be unable to cope.

What strikes me most profoundly about this realization is how powerful these unfounded fears can be and how much they drive me and other people as well.  I wonder how often we as people struggle to overcome the fears, especially those having to do with the approval of others.  Even in this photo, I am unhappy because it’s not my best.  I was trying for a self-portrait and somehow, what I saw in the mirror didn’t translate to the camera.  Is it because I don’t see myself realistically?  Is it because we all want to be something we are not? Today, I'm trying to face the Fear."

And here is the layout that resulted.



This was made using Studio Calico's Glee Club kit from a few months back. I hope you find it helpful.  This particular issue is one that I feel plagues most of us in some way or another and I hate to let it get the best of any of us!


Have a happy day!

34 comments:

  1. I love it! I "suffer" from many of those dame fears. I can so relate. I love the way you documented it on paper.

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  2. Awesome page. And you are not alone Ursula xxx

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  3. Great layout, and I can understand, and also share some of your fears! I recently heard on the news that a lot of back pain can be caused by stress, so that confirms your book! Hang in there you do beautiful work, who have a great family, and your kids won't care if you are not perfect! Love Penny P.s. I forgot to tell you while on Holly's blog hop the other day, she asked who sent me and I copied your name, but on my next post I forgot to un-copy it, so your name shows up after mine, sorry I didn't know how to erase it. Love Penny Scrap-aholic@blogspot.com

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  4. Such a beautiful layout! I love all the washi tape and the bright colors. I'm so glad that you've got the courage to face your fears head on. Great job!

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  5. This is a wonderful layout and I'm so glad you did this for yourself!

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  6. With the exception of house burning down, these are so many of my same fears. And, so many of them are about power others have over you or you disappointing others. I'm so right there with you. I'm 39 years old for goodness sake. You would have thought I would have learned to love myself by now and not let these fears have so much power over me.

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  7. This is a really lovely layout, and I love the inspiring message.

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  8. Beautiful layout and such honest journaling! Thanks for sharing!

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  9. I am teary-eyed right now. I share MANY of these same fears, and to be perfectly honest, I struggle with getting out of bed to face most days. I've been through some terrible times in the last year that have nearly broken my spirit. It's seeing inspirational things like this, and also knowing that I'm not alone in feeling the way I do, that help me keep going. Thank you for posting this Ursula, especially today. Your courage has helped me today, and I needed it. :)

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  10. We are all human. Every day is a learning experience. TFT.

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  11. What a powerful powerful post. I love it!!! It's extra so for me, since I'm writing a book, somewhat similar to this. Thanks so much for this. I REALLY appreciate it.

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  12. Beautiful, Ursula. Can so relate. Awesome that you shared this!

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  13. Pretty pretty page!! and lovely thoughts.

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  14. Awesome oage but always keep in mind GOD does not give us a feeling of fear .. keep the faith love the page.. and the blog is always so awesome...

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  15. Love that you documented this Ursula! A lot of times these kinds of pages get passed over for happy layouts and these are important too!

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  16. Oh, wow...what a way to find inspiration in a page. Great theme and a real thinker too.

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  17. Great grouping of embellies. A nice way to capture current thoughts and feelings! TFS!

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  18. I absolutely love the idea behind this layout Ursula. I hope one day I'm able to make something similar for myself...
    - April

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  19. powerful stuff, ursula!! beautiful LO!!

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  20. This is an awesome layout! I love it because of the story. So sorry to read about your health issues.:-( My hubby suffers from chronic pain due to RSDS. I think this book may help him with dealing with his pain. May you overcome your fears and find pain relief soon. (((HUGS)))

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  21. This is such a fabulous, truthful layout. I think we all struggle with fears, and I share some of yours. I too have a need for perfection, and when it doesn't happen, it's devastating (ie. trying to have a baby and totally unsuccessful). I recently read Emily Freeman's book, "Grace for the Good Girl", fabulous read that really addresses some of these issues.

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  22. Great layout, Ursula. I will pray for you to remember that God made you perfectly imperfect. =)

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  23. Great subject for a layout. I lve it when this hobby allows us to reflect on things like this.

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  24. great to write that down!!!
    and so special to capture each day in your house (post above)
    good on ya

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  25. What an empowering layout, thank you so much for sharing.

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  26. This is awesome - layout and journaling both!

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  27. Great layout! Love all the little details you've got going on! :)

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  28. I could have written this list myself!

    Great LO and good for you for facing your fears head on

    Sarah x

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I really enjoy your feedback, so thanks a bundle for taking the time to leave it.

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