fears

[margene]

What is your biggest fear? Mine is loneliness. I think it's crippling me somewhat.

[kib]

Not having control over my choices. I make lots of bad choices, but I want them to be mine.

[catherine]

Losing my husband, children, brothers.

[pinkytoe]

It changes frequently. Right now, the future for my me, my family, the world - not knowing what it is in store. We, as humans, have this belief that we can control everything and the longer I live the more I see how things do not play out as planned or hoped.

[catherine]

We, as humans, have this belief that we can control everything

That's our first mistake, and our biggest mistake.

I don't mean to be flip about it, pinkytoe, because I agree with you, but the longer I live, the more I know that my happiness and peace of mind will be determined by my ability to accept what I can't change.

[Gardenarian]

“What do you fear, lady?" he asked.

"A cage," she said. "To stay behind bars, until use and old age accept them, and all chance of doing great deeds is gone beyond recall or desire." — J.R.R. Tolkien

[razz]

Not having control over my choices. I make lots of bad choices, but I want them to be mine.
I would agree with this especially as one gets on in years.

[danna]

My biggest fear is not being independent in my old age....and of course the one the is with me every day
the loss of more of those I think of as my people.

[awakenedsoul]

I try not to put any energy into fear, unless it's an intuitive warning that's protecting me. Remember that quote that said something like, "Most of what we worry about doesn't come true"? I used to be a real worrier, and I found that to be true. Right now my goal is to leave no stone unturned. If I take all of the opportunities that come my way, I won't have any regrets. I've been doing this with my career lately, and it's really energizing me. I love setting goals and taking steps to achieve those goals.

[Blackdog Lin]

What an interesting and thought-provoking question margene. I've been sitting here thinking about it for a while.

Losing my health. Losing a close loved one. Classic, but I'm gonna try to get real.

So I'm not proud of my answer, but I think I fear of the loss of my lifestyle the most. We live simply and don't have a lot of money, but still we do pretty well. I can remember periods of our lives that we had to make do and do without to a much larger extent than we do now - and I really don't want to go back to those days.

Though I could, you know. Simple Living and all that.

[margene]

That's our first mistake, and our biggest mistake.

I don't mean to be flip about it, pinkytoe, because I agree with you, but the longer I live, the more I know that my happiness and peace of mind will be determined by my ability to accept what I can't change.

Well said catherine

[nswef]

Oh Catherine, It is the accepting that is so hard for me. I'm trying constantly to live in the moment and just be... I think it takes a lifetime. I'm doing better at it, the more I practice.

[Teacher Terry]

When I was raising my kids it was that I would die & they would be raised by their Dad who was an okay person but too strict without me to buffer & not a great Dad. Once they became adults that went away & I have never had a big fear since.

[Kestra]

Dying suddenly. When I die I'd prefer to know about it ahead of time.
But otherwise my fears and phobias are extensive. Easier to list what common fears don't scare me: snakes, public speaking.

[iris lilies]

Dying suddenly. When I die I'd prefer to know about it ahead of time.
But otherwise my fears and phobias are extensive. Easier to list what common fears don't scare me: snakes, public speaking.

Oh wow, I hope to die suddenly. In my sleep. I know that is hard for those left behind, but I want to go fast and it is all about me!

I have fears and phobias like most people. The weirdest one has been a fear that my dogs will be stolen. That's not entirely impractical since there have been dog thefts in this neighborhood in past years. Like during this time of "civil unrest" in St. Louis, I am extra cautious about where our big dog is when he is outdoors. He's so white. He's such a target.

I don't know how I could live in this neighborhood with children, I think I wouldn't make it. Still, several couple my age raised families here, so it is do-able.

[frugal-one]

I always tease (half serious) that I want to die on my way home from vacation. Having had my adventure and in high spirits. My biggest fear is to spend years languishing/sick. I never feel sad for those who just keel over. That is the way to go IMHO.

[Valley]

I was just tentatively diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) on Monday. How it all is going to unfold is my big fear right now. It is difficult to come to terms with. I need time to process it all! Keep me in your thoughts.

[margene]

Oh, Valley I'm not sure what that is but I'm real sorry. I hope you have a support system to help you.

[iris lilies]

I was just tentatively diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) on Monday. How it all is going to unfold is my big fear right now. It is difficult to come to terms with. I need time to process it all! Keep me in your thoughts.

I am so very sorry to hear this.

[Float On]

Valley, I am so sorry. I will pray for you. We just lost a dear friend to it and that was person #4 that I've known to have ALS. http://edsstory.com/ I've watched all the videos that are part of Ed's Story.