Don't be scared
by Trina VerSteeg Wilcox
Children seem to think that adults are fearless. Ha! Some adults are so easily scared that they let fear keep them from trying new things. We use excuses and assume that we won't like something to make us feel better about not trying something new. What adults mostly fear is failure - failure that we will look silly or that we won't be as good as someone else. Children, on the other hand, fear the really scary stuff, like monsters.
Have you ever watched a child try something new or different? Children don't think about the consequences and they don't care about how they look doing it. If they want to ride a bike without training wheels then by-golly they will strap on that goofy - yet safe - helmet and wibble-wabble until they master the task. If they want to run on the playground then they run. They don't worry about how far, maybe how fast, but by no means does it matter if anyone else runs with them as long as they are running free and happy. When kids see monkey bars they run straight for them and climb. They don't take a second look to see if anyone might be watching, that would only slow them down.
Adults can learn so much from kids. We can learn how to quiet those voices that hold us back. Kids sometimes think they are invincible. As they mature, they tend to develop insecurities and lose the magical, brave part of being fearless. There is so much to gain and learn about ourselves if we quit letting fear blind the path. Run because you like the wind in your face or the pavement under your feet. Swim because you like the splash of the water. Ride your bike because you want to see how fast you can peddle. It's simple - be adventurous and try something new because you can! A free spirit is priceless; don't let fear stop you.
Trina VerSteeg Wilcox is a writer and columnist with a Bachelors of Science in Computer Information Systems from Missouri State University. After working as an applications analyst she made the decision to write for a living. Trina is also a certified fitness professional through FiTour and the Arthritis Foundation, and has taught aerobics. She is the creator of the JRA 5K charity race. Trina has also run in the infamous Boston Marathon two times. 'My other interests include nature, art, fitness, and too many others to list. I write to encourage and inspire,' Trina said.
This article first appeared on Irongirl.com in March 2009.