
Who is winning? Fear or anticipation?
I have wrestled with both of these emotions while in the present strange and uneasy moments of history we are living in. My head and heart push the panic button easily in this environment spinning out of control on the roller coaster of dealing with so many unknowns, the cancellation of multiple long-awaited life events, and the likelihood of more interruptions looming in the near future.
Uncertainty amplifies fear.
Fear saps the joy and energy from anticipation.
So much of this pandemic has been dealing with naming and tackling various emotions and with God’s help, growing stronger and wiser with each lesson.
Looking forward to things is half the pleasure of them.
Lucy Maud Montgomery
I am battling with fear trying to win over the anticipation of good things to come.
This morning I realized the struggle was not fear or anticipation, but the solution was fear and anticipation. Not either/or, but both/and. In reality, this is life – living and thriving hand in hand with both emotions. Quit fighting, Jeanie.
I love Emily P Freeman’s weekly podcast, The Next Right Thing. In episode # 130 she says,
“I was curious about what it would look like to have a more welcoming posture as it related to anxiety, which I realize might at first sound counterintuitive, but the more I learned about anxiety and worry, the more I’m realizing what the experts say is true. That if you try to push anxiety away, it only makes it worse. But when I welcome it, or at least acknowledge its presence in the room, I have a better chance of knowing what to do next rather than spending all of my energy trying to get rid of the fear.”
Emily referred to Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic which sits on my upper shelf, the place of honor for only a few books, ones that touched my soul. I looked up the full text of the quote shared in Emily’s podcast written by Gilbert:
“I even have a welcoming speech prepared for fear, which I deliver right before embarking upon any new project or big adventure. It goes something like this: “Dearest Fear: Creativity and I are about to go on a road trip together. I understand you’ll be joining us, because you always do. I acknowledge that you believe you have an important job to do in my life, and that you take your job seriously. Apparently your job is to induce complete panic whenever I’m about to do anything interesting—and, may I say, you are superb at your job. So by all means, keep doing your job, if you feel you must. But I will also be doing my job on this road trip, which is to work hard and stay focused. And Creativity will be doing its job, which is to remain stimulating and inspiring. There’s plenty of room in this vehicle for all of us, so make yourself at home, but understand this: Creativity and I are the only ones who will be making any decisions along the way. I recognize and respect that you are part of this family, and so I will never exclude you from our activities, but still—your suggestions will never be followed. You’re allowed to have a seat, and you’re allowed to have a voice, but you are not allowed to have a vote. You’re not allowed to touch the road maps; you’re not allowed to suggest detours; you’re not allowed to fiddle with the temperature. Dude, you’re not even allowed to touch the radio. But above all else, my dear old familiar friend, you are absolutely forbidden to drive.”
I love images and felt empowered to know fear is part of my journey, but not the driver. The picture of a car trip with fear as part of the adventure but not the one in control reminded me to give myself grace in my normal human reactions. Perhaps this will help you today too.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1: 7
Thank you, Lord, for teaching me this lesson. Fear is such a basic human reaction and one I will grapple with throughout my life. Thank you for creating a strong visual for me and helping me quiet the voice of fear and to look forward with anticipation and joy all the gifts walking with you into the future will bring.
What do you think of the tension between fear and anticipation? What helps you manage these emotions?
Would love to have an allegory written by you….
That is inspiring. I will pray about this. Thank yoo
Thank you Jean for your honesty. I too have been disappointed at “cancelled plans” and grieving over all the loss, turmoil and lawlessness in our nation, coupled with the ever changing concerns over the Covid/pandemic issue. I have to pray deeply and sincerely to give my anger, disappointment, frustration, and sadness to the Lord and ask for His forgiveness, peace, and assurance and to refresh my spirit with the loving comfort /guidance of the Holy Spirit. I like the analogy and will have to write the name of that book and author down for a future read.
I am trying to balance this disappointment with gratitude but at times I still tip towards fear. I keep praying and leaning on the Lord!!
Wow, Jean! Thank you for these excerpts of wisdom from Emily and Elizabeth. That powerful imagery of Elizabeth’s road trip will help me to remember: fear may be present but it may NOT be the boss! GOD is in the driver’s seat; my place is at his right hand. In the back seat are creativity, courage, and perseverance. Fear will have to ride locked up in the trunk!!
Weren’t those wonderful quotes? The type to linger over and tuck into our hearts. I loved this image too and your idea of locking fear in the trunk! Even better
That is how I have coped as a single parent, as an empty nester, and now as a senior citizen.
Looking forward to something is exciting.
But I have learned I must have short-term, mid-term, and long-term exciting goals to propel me forward.
I have reading goals, sewing goals, and writing goals to furnish me with enthusiasm each day.
I also have family to sew for, neighbors to gather with and learn new crochet stitches, and writers I meet monthly to share writing critiques.
Yes, I need goals of anticipation!
I do like your idea of short term and longer term goals Good way to hold ideas that have been postponed. I am learning to enjoy the little opportunities that come along with gratitude – that gives me hope for those longer term ones.
Thank you for this perspective…it helps alot…
Think abt writing an allegory….along the lines of Hinds feet on High places….hannah hurrard
Yes it is like that book. Good connection!
Oh, wow, Jean, did I ever need these comforting words today! Yes, it’s okay for fear to come along for the ride, but it should never, ever be in charge of anything. From now on, I will recognize this elephant in the room, accept it and move on.
Blessings, my friend!
I know I needed to hear these words too, Martha,