People fear many odd things, from pain to war to spiders or even to the fear of eating peanut butter because people are scared that it will stick to the roof of their mouth and suffocate them. I believe that the reason people fear certain things are because of their own imaginiations overthinking scenarios into paranoia. Fear is strictly in the mind and can be simply overcome.
Knowing this I am not without fear; infact I have fear of most trivial things such as moths, heights, death, pain, and tight spaces. Sometimes these fears stay or go according to my minds whim however I have one peminent fear that is also one of the most helpful factors in my life. I am truly and sincerely afraid of failing. When I say failing, I don’t mean failing a test or even failing a course. I mean failing my family’s expectations.
Starting from highschool, my parents adapted to my ever-changing rate of maturity and decided to give me absolute freedom to do what I wanted, when I wanted, wherever I wanted. This was not without love this was because they wanted me to learn responsibility, to take care of myself and to learn the natural consequences that life hurls at you. Before, they did let me loose, they left me with an elongated explanation of how they wanted me to succeed in life because of all the sacrifices that my gradfather and they have made and all their hope was entrusted in me. Before, immature and naïve, I always considered their hope in me in to be a burden. It was always holding me back from doing what I wanted.
Now being sixteeen and having a greater comprehension of what my parents want for me, I am enlightened and fearful of letting down my family. Nevertheless, this rare mixture of fear and understanding has become my motivation, my drive and intention to try my best in school.
Fear has always been in the mind, but I never thought that it would be a foundation to success.
Hey Andrew, your blog this week is very thoughtful. I come from the exact same point of view as you do. Failing at something other than a test or a class is completely different. Letting your parents down or disappointing them is a choice that we sometimes make. Nothing feels worse than seeing your parents before your eyes so disappointed in you. I can honestly say that is what I fear most . It feels good to make your parents proud of you and even when your given freedom, it is your responsibility to show them that you deserved it. I’m glad someone else in our class feels the same way I do!
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