Remembering that has helped me. And hurt me. Hurt me for the reasons you write here. Because fear is usually necessary. And it oftentimes points us towards what it truly is we want.
Such a good reminder on the false evidence. I feel like if I was consulted at the design phase I would’ve changed that fear piece of the change process, but here we are. Glad to be on the path with you.
Josh, I wholly related to this essay as a highly sensitive writer who is (finally) going headfirst after her dreams of a literary agent, a book deal with a Big Five publisher, the whole enchilada. Because modern-day authors must wear so many visible marketing/self-promotion hats—in addition to just writing the words—sometimes I worry how showing up as my honest, courageous, anxious self here will inhibit my future prospects. It’s such a conundrum, particularly because my memoir centers on my decades-long, near-fatal history of addiction, fear, and self-abandonment. Alas, the only thing that feels true to me is to keep leaning more and more into the truth of me, especially when heading into the unknown. I am so glad you found the courage to post these words today. And for what it’s worth, it draws me in closer—to you and to myself. Thank you. 🤍
Jennifer, thank you so much for reading and taking the time to comment. Congratulations on going for the whole enchilada, that’s so inspiring. It feels so good to be reminded I’m not alone in this journey, and I’m glad that landed for you as well. You name another fear I didn’t specifically in this piece, which is self-abandonment. I did so much of that in my life and part of the fear of not showing up authentically now is that I’ll just revert back to those old patterns. I love how you’re leaning into your truth and the self-trust associated, and really isn’t that all we can control anyway? I’ll be rooting for you and can’t wait to see your book on shelves.
I love your honesty, Josh. Thank you, and I think you are so right about fear having so much control over us.
Glad it landed for you, Gayle, thanks for reading and taking the time to comment.
FEAR.
False Evidence Appearing Real.
Remembering that has helped me. And hurt me. Hurt me for the reasons you write here. Because fear is usually necessary. And it oftentimes points us towards what it truly is we want.
I loved this essay and relate to so much of it.
Such a good reminder on the false evidence. I feel like if I was consulted at the design phase I would’ve changed that fear piece of the change process, but here we are. Glad to be on the path with you.
Josh, I wholly related to this essay as a highly sensitive writer who is (finally) going headfirst after her dreams of a literary agent, a book deal with a Big Five publisher, the whole enchilada. Because modern-day authors must wear so many visible marketing/self-promotion hats—in addition to just writing the words—sometimes I worry how showing up as my honest, courageous, anxious self here will inhibit my future prospects. It’s such a conundrum, particularly because my memoir centers on my decades-long, near-fatal history of addiction, fear, and self-abandonment. Alas, the only thing that feels true to me is to keep leaning more and more into the truth of me, especially when heading into the unknown. I am so glad you found the courage to post these words today. And for what it’s worth, it draws me in closer—to you and to myself. Thank you. 🤍
Jennifer, thank you so much for reading and taking the time to comment. Congratulations on going for the whole enchilada, that’s so inspiring. It feels so good to be reminded I’m not alone in this journey, and I’m glad that landed for you as well. You name another fear I didn’t specifically in this piece, which is self-abandonment. I did so much of that in my life and part of the fear of not showing up authentically now is that I’ll just revert back to those old patterns. I love how you’re leaning into your truth and the self-trust associated, and really isn’t that all we can control anyway? I’ll be rooting for you and can’t wait to see your book on shelves.