I had a fabulous walk this afternoon. Found new streets and sights I didn't know existed. I was well-dressed against the cold. I actually enjoy walking in the cold more than the heat – easier to layer up for cold than dress down for hot (there's only so much clothing you can take off in public!).
And on my walk I came across a cemetery I hadn't noticed before. The Goel Tzedec cemetery – which I later found out is the second oldest Jewish cemetery in the city.
Passing a cemetery on all hallow's eve, Samhain, Halloween, got me thinking about fear. About what scares us. How we tempt fear to come for us – by doing things like walking in a cemetery on Halloween. Or doing things that we know will cause us to be afraid.
And as I walked I thought about all the areas of my life. The ones that felt comfortable and the ones that had that rush of fear attached to them. Acknowledging the recent shift in some areas from safe to fear. Finding areas that were too safe and needed that jolt of adrenaline that fear produces. Also finding areas that were just too scary right now and needed some safety.
As I walked I made plans on how to shift things around.
And I was surprised to realise that I am welcoming the fear. Now, don't get me wrong… I'm scared, absolutely! But I know that with fear comes growth and change. I also know that being afraid means being brave.
And that all it takes is one step from safety and then that rush of adrenaline hits you and you're no longer afraid cause you're doing it.
So… what are you afraid of?
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