Heya, folks-- one of the things that attracts me to AA is that it's a guide for living, not just "not drinking." Back in the day, fear controlled every aspect of my life. I'd be afraid of people, situations, and constantly obsessing about the future or past. Blacking out was the one time I could find peace--finally quiet my racing mind. Now, faith in a higher power and developing my spiritual side helps me to find some serenity. It's not about life suddenly becoming manageable. Life is what it is...I can't manage it. I can accept it, and try to manage myself. It's not perfect, but it's getting better. Right now I've been avoiding a major project that could bring me a huge financial reward, and it has to do with fear of failure. Or maybe even fear of success. I've made huge progress on it when I get out of my mind, do some prayer, meditate on my higher power...just let it flow. That's what I'll be calling on this weekend to finish it up. Wish me luck! --greg

hi Greg,

i don't believe in luck, but i do believe in you!!!

you're so right, life is what it is...it's also what we make it. i know what you mean about fear of failure and success!

one day at a time my friend, and welcome.

All the best to you, keep coming back!

hugs, Wendy

Fear is always a wonderful topic. I no longer fear - fear, but I do respect it. Years ago I heard that "fear was anger turned inside out." There is a lot of truth to it. When I'm in a state of fear, I reflect and wonder what am I angry about. When I can answer that question, then the fear disappears. Another excellent quote was from a book I read many years ago. "The opposite of love is not hate, the opposite of love is fear." I, too, had a project which I sat on for many years, but thinking it was never good enough to see it through its completion. Finally, I figured I didn't want to grow old and wonder "What if?" The project was writing a book about my downward spiral into alcoholism. I sent it to a publisher and they bought it, so I tried again. This time a book on my first two years in AA and I sold it. I went past the fear and found enough "love" for myself to try it. If I failed, so be it. At least, I could look back and say I gave it my best try. Anyway, finish that project. Not for a potential financial reward, but for the personal reward of finishing it. You'll be glad you did... Dave Harm Creating Dreams