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What would you do if fear wasn't holding you back?

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Posted 8/1/2011 3:27 AM (GMT 0)
I think that we all struggle with limitations in what we can do in life.  Either because of our anxiety disorders, or just because we have natural reservations about certain things.  shocked

Some people wouldn't think twice about jumping out of an airplane, while others white knuckle it on an elevator.  Some can perform on stage in front of a crowd, and some have troble speaking in a group setting. There are people who have pet tarantulas, and people who jump at every creepy-crawly thing around. smhair

We all have fears and reservations about certain things.  What if, for a day, you could leave all of those fears behind and just go wild?  What would you do?  Where would you go?  What risks would you take if you weren't afraid?  cool

Post a reply and let your imagination go wild... turn

Posted 8/1/2011 3:40 AM (GMT 0)
I would do something daring and dangerous that I normally wouldn't ever be able to do without scaring myself to death. At the top of my list would be...

*hot air balloon ride
*skydiving
*mountain climbing/repelling (I'm talking Half-Dome sized mountain)
*swimming with whales

These things sound like fun...if I weren't afraid to do them that is. I don't have this mad desire to try them, or I probably would, despite my fears...the payout is not worth the risk for me, but if I was fearless, I would totally go for it!

S.C.

Posted 8/1/2011 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
This is a great thread idea :)

I would sing out loud whenever I felt like it! Even when there are people around. I LOVE singing, but no one knows it.

I would meet up with people that I have been wanting to meet (and haven't because I was too scared to go through with it).

I would swim with my head in the water (or learn how to).

I would just be happy with myself. Not always trying to be how people want me to be. Not worrying what people will think of me.

Okay so those aren't very exciting...

maybe if I really had no fear I would try something like bungee jumping or snorkeling or skydiving..
Posted 8/1/2011 3:44 AM (GMT 0)
My husband died 5 yrs ago. My 4 older kids (2 married) (2engaged) do their own things for vacation, unless its a huge family vacation. My youngest is 10 I would love to go on a road trip with just her. Maybe 6 hrs away. But I'm afraid I'll start having attacks (which are pretty much under control with my meds) Or get sick or die..and my poor daughter would be alone till family got there. Sounds crazy???? Yes it does...but it's normal for me.
Posted 8/1/2011 3:57 AM (GMT 0)
That doesn't sound crazy at all to any of us Longislval. It is just a fear and a wish, and someday, you may even be able to do it!:) I would like to welcome you to the forum, and thank you for sharing! If at anytime you would like to start you own thread of introduction, please feel free to do so. We are glad that you found us, and would like to get to know you better. Keep posting!:)

To Touts: You don't need to have exciting or adventerous plans, just things that you wish you could do without being nervous/scared about them.

To be honest...in between skydiving and swimming with whales...I would have to squeeze in a dentist appnt., because I know I need to go in, and I just can't make myself set it up:O How's that for excicting? ;p

Take care guys,
S.C.
Posted 8/1/2011 4:00 AM (GMT 0)
Great post scaredy cat....if fear wasn't holding me back I would.

Go to Paris, all over Europe and visit America..I would love to see the whole world...

I would swim with dolphins and whales..if I knew how to swim that is...lol

I would go in an elevator by myself and go up and down.

I would maybe start to like myself...and not be so self critical.

I would go out and meet new people, I would go dancing...I used to love dancing..

I would live each day like it was my last and enjoy life....
yeah
Posted 8/1/2011 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
Brilliant ideas Shanny, and some of them could be realizied one day:)

Especially the one about being easier on yourself...I bet that one is already in the works through your therapy...We LIKE you, now it's just time for you to get on board;p

Hugs my friend!

Keep posting everybody

Post Edited (Scaredy Cat) : 8/1/2011 8:10:14 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/1/2011 9:35 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks scaredy cat, you always make me smile...I'm glad you all like me...I like you guys too.. I just wish you all lived closer...lol..and one day soon I hope I will realize some of those dreams...you never know I might even make it to America one day and visit you all.......now that would be cool....hugs to you too my friend.....shannon
Posted 8/1/2011 3:10 PM (GMT 0)
Oohhhh cool thread.

I would...
Travel the world on my own. I've been to Europe a few times but always with family, and a few years ago I travelled to the US on my own for 5 weeks but ever since my anxiety I couldn't think of doing anything worse. So I would love love love to do that again.
Tell somebody I love them. I'm just completely petrified of rejection so this is definitely high on my list.
Bungee jump!! Hell yeah, I'd so be there. I'd jump out of a plane too.
Swim with sharks. Or go scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef. My dads been, I've seen the photos, and all I can say is WOW!! But fish are icky :P

There's probably many more things but those are my top few :)
Posted 8/1/2011 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
I know this doesnt sound very adventourous but i would want to go to an amusement park or beach somewhere with my family and friends and laugh and go down memory lane and talk about the good times we have had together. I would also like to bungee jump, that sounds awesome. maybe off a really high bridge over water. I would also just like to take my mom somewhere just me and her and i would eat whatever i want, lol!
Posted 8/1/2011 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
Cool ideas Chrissy;) I've been snorkeling, but not scuba yet...hopefully some day!

H&S, your day sounds awesome...keep your dreams and hopes alive:)

Keep believing everybody! You never know what the future holds for us;)

S.C.
Posted 8/1/2011 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Everyone,

"What if, for a day, you could leave all of those fears behind and just go wild? What would you do? Where would you go? What risks would you take if you weren't afraid?"

I had to think about this for a while (it was actually keeping me up last night, lol!) At first, it made me angry. The questions brought up the fact that I do not feel I can do the things I want to do because anxiety and fear hold me back. But I'm in a better mood now, so I'll answer;)

I would talk to people without fear of being judged for not being smart enough, good looking enough or relevant enough. And when I say people, I mean strangers and those I know but need to pluck up courage just to e-mail, phone or chat with them!

I would drive anywhere I please, all by myself, at anytime. Taking weekend road-trips as the fancy would strike.

I wouldn't think twice about trying a new activity because I think I'm too old, too weak, too reserved and have no one to do them with (activities like fencing, mountain climbing, or surfing).

I could travel alone, to Australia, Egypt, various Middle-Eastern countries and perhaps visit the odd friend outside of Canada. I would check out Haliburton forest, Ellesmere Island, Algonquin Park and Yellowstone Park.

I would doggedly chase my wants and desires because without the constant anxiety to plague me, I would finally have the energy to do so!

I would ask for what I wanted and say what I mean to say instead of holding back (it is probably a good thing this would only last a day;)).

The list could go on ad infinitum, but basically, if I could imagine it, I would do it.

I enjoyed reading what everyone else would do as well. Given time, the right therapies and support, we may all get there!

Good luck everyone and great post ScaredyCat!

DarkWolf
Posted 8/1/2011 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
Great topic and super responses.  :-) I would get in my SUV and head out on the highway.  I would love to travel around the USA, see the New England states and not worry about anything but being in the moment.

I would have no fear of freeways and not get stuck in the "what if?" zone. I would not be afraid of being lonely and wanting to run back home..........I would just do it !

Hugs,

Kitt

Posted 8/2/2011 3:47 AM (GMT 0)
I'd get a driver's license.

 

I'm 37 years old and have never had one because I'm terrified of the whole process of obtaining one.

 

Not to mention I'd actually have to DRIVE afterwards.

 

<<shudders>>

Posted 8/2/2011 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
DW, sorry that this made you mad at first, I was trying for the opposite effect! I understand though, it can be frustrating to watch others do the things we can't, with such ease...I have faith that you will realize at least some of your list someday:)!

Kitt-Katt, I believe that this is going to happen for you. Any woman who can raise four children and work full time in the ER is an 'Amazon Warrior Princess of the Entire Universe and Beyond!' in my book;)

SSAHM, driving is a little over-rated if you ask me (and fearing the DMV is totally valid!)...but if you really wanted to do it, I bet that you could!

Here's to US everybody...limitations and all, WE ROCK!
Posted 8/3/2011 6:41 AM (GMT 0)
be me, more!!!!!!!!!!! jamie. and play with my fav band on stage!!!!!!!!!!!!! use to play a mean axe!! jamie
Posted 8/3/2011 6:58 AM (GMT 0)
I would get a doctorate and a new profession.

I would ride across the Gobi desert with a nomadic tribe.

I would spend a summer sailing the Italian coast and Greek Islands on my own boat.

I would circle the Earth in a space shuttle.

I would walk more than four blocks without a cane!
turn
Posted 8/3/2011 7:00 AM (GMT 0)
excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 8/3/2011 3:14 PM (GMT 0)
Jamiee, I want front row tickets and backstage passes to your concert! I play a (very) little guitar, but I can sing! Need a frontman, er woman? We love music in my family...just went to a concert 'bout a week ago, it was awesome. Play on my friend!  scool *face melting guitar solo!* scool


SZM, you win the creativity award!!! Trekking the desert (dessert?lol!) with nomads? That's RAD. I have never even thought of that, but now I'm intrigued. As far as the space mission, you're on your own, I prefer terra firma...and will we have to call you Dr. SZM after you graduate?

Keep those hopes and dreams coming everybody turn

S.C.

Post Edited (Scaredy Cat) : 8/3/2011 9:18:02 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/3/2011 3:47 PM (GMT 0)
LIVE MY LIFE!
Posted 8/3/2011 4:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

Its been awhile since I posted and much has happened but

for now I will keep it to this interesting question.

I would try new things and careers, hobbies that interest

me without the shadow of fear and judgement. I would

also spread this free attitude to my family.

For now I'm working on it.

The best to everyone.

Posted 8/3/2011 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
Bam, you are living life...it's just and adjustment to cope with the anxiety, but you are doing what you can for now. Things will improve as you continue to work on your skills and recovery techniques. Try to keep positive my friend wink


Ghost, good to hear from you...have 'seen' you around trivia...got a win recently, well done! BTW...I think I'll add World Championship Trivia Winner to my list...surely I would be getting 10's everyday if it weren't for this anxiety holding me back, Lol!!! But seriously great list, thanks for contributing turn
S.C.

Post Edited (Scaredy Cat) : 8/3/2011 11:28:16 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/3/2011 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
SC,
I was planning for the Gobi desert trek before I became very ill with uc. I don't know why but I feel extremely at home with Mongolians. The trip is a leisurely three months on horseback and includes riding rhough an amazing wildlife preserve filled with small bears, gazelles and grey wolves. The tribe has family reunions in the middle of nowhere as they travel. I don't have any idea how they find one another. They don't use maps, gps or stars.
In 2009 a 63-year-old relative walked across the desert with her 74-year-old husband. They thought of it as beating the Gobi. I don't want to beat it but to enjoy it and see all its hidden treasures.
I have to wait until I have recovered from my second corrective surgery before I could ride anywhere on horseback for three months. This coming fall I will be studying Italian and Mongolian.
The trip to the Italian coast and Greek islands is doable anytime. I just have to figure out how to make the trip pay for itself.
As to my own education, I still have two children in college and one child starting graduate school. Our oldest is working on his doctorate already. I will probably be one of those 70-year-olds finally achieving a doctorate. Better late than never!
Szm
cool
Posted 8/3/2011 9:44 PM (GMT 0)
That sounds amazingly amazing! After all that you have gone through the last half year, if you are able to make this dream happen, I will be so happy and proud of you!!!

Yes, you can do it all...my mother went to Stanford U for classes in her 70's. I had to draw the line at the toga parties though, and tell her she was not allowe;p

You have some really cool goals and I wish you the best in seeing them through!

S.C.
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