Welcome to this week’s Marketing for Romance Writers (#MFRW) 52-week blog challenge with the topic of My Biggest Fear. I have a lot of irrational fears. Plenty of them. I talked about them right here. So, I didn’t want to repeat those. Plus many are not really what I’d consider my biggest, overarching fear. That would be running out of time. Not just in your time is up on this earth—although I’d have to say that’s what’s provoking the fear. It’s running out of time to do all the things.
But I’m Not Done Yet
A line from the show Ozark finally put into words what I’ve been trying to wrap my mind around since my twins were born over 17 years ago. The main character, Marty, was talking about when his first child was born and how one of his first thoughts was that, “I can’t die.”
Because once we have children, in my opinion, it’s our responsibility as parents to ensure that we protect them and set them up for success in the world. As the years have passed, each milestone and accomplishment my girls have achieved brought me closer to ensuring that they are safe in this world to the best of our ability.
This has also motivated me to take better care of myself, and to more aware of safety for myself and our family.
Clock’s a Ticking
My fear of running out of time leaks into other aspects of my life. You’ve heard me babble about it before. The overwhelm I cause myself by overcommitting my schedule.
My driven personality pushing me to say yes to every writing opportunity and new story idea that comes my way. I’m constantly pushing against a freelance deadline, or weighed down by the burden of stories that need completed and sent out into the world like my baby girls. Part of it’s the fear of missing out on an opportunity, or a challenge. But saying yes to so much has me always fearing that there’s never enough time.
Fear of Leaving Life on Hold
The long list of responsibilities has most people like me following the practical responsible route in life. While this is a good thing, sometimes it means that some dreams are put on hold for later, or for when we reach this goal, or get to this age, or are this way financially.
It saddens me when I see so many people reach their golden years when they’re finally ready to take their dreams off hold and live the life they’ve dreamed of, but that’s stolen when they run out of time. Either through death, illness, or other physical ailments that make following that dream impossible. They’d left it on hold for so long that the line was disconnected.
Don’t Succumb to the Fear
I must apologize for such a deep, and slightly distressing (at least to me), post when you’re used to some lightness and humor. But the world is full of so many things to fear that it can take over our lives if we let them. That’s one reason I read, and I write, paranormal and fantasy.
The world is so serious so much of the time, escaping with a #book into another world helps melt that #fear. #MFRW Click To Tweet(Psst- did you hear that my new book baby, Not a Chance, released this week? Check it out and don’t be afraid to grab your copy here!)
It’s a Blog Hop
Hop around and check out what the other authors are sharing about their biggest fears. Hopefully some writing time, and a good book, can help us all slay those fears so they can’t hold us back.
Your fear of running out of time is a legitimate fear. It’s one I share too. I remember taking time to think on Marty’s words in that scene in Ozark.
I’m glad to see Marty’s words struck a cord with someone else too! Thanks for visiting!
My husband says he can’t die until he finishes all the tasks assigned to him. Since that list will never be complete, he’ll live forever. Hah.
lol- the to-do list is never-ending!
You are so correct that many people do the responsible thing and never get to enjoy their golden years. I”m in that spot myself. Now that work and a business no longer consume us and we could travel, health and family responsibilities preclude it.
You know, I often think it’s impossible for me to do everything I want in this life and so I need to make choices (and that’s over what I do have the chance to do). What is annoying is that I’ve been given extra limitation via a stupid uncontrollable illness. Many things I was committed to I had to abandon, others I’ll never get to start.
Yet through these years of restrictions I’ve learned to be more patient. I still have my brain, and I put it to use to find other ways and other things. There is always much more to discover! I guess my main big fear would be losing the power of my mind.
But I digress: what I wanted to say is, don’t be afraid of slowing down a little. Or of doing a lot. Do as much as you want as long as the pace doesn’t disturb your view of the landscape!