Fear: What is it Good For?
by Keith Zimmer 

I hate a certain four letter F-word - and no, it is not the one that you all are probably thinking (tsk, tsk, people). I hate anything and everything to do with the word fear. Fear can cause people to do crazy things. Think about to a time when you did something or did not do something solely based on fear for what the outcome could be.

 I am tired of fear controlling not only my life but the lives of people I care about. It is time for me and others to start taking risks. Life is too short to live in fear! How many people continually look back on life and say "Wow, I wish I would have done that differently" or "I wish I would have taken that risk." Many people say that, in fact I hear it too much. Even I say it too much.

 Don't get me wrong, fear is a scary emotion. Fear can over take your life and make you feel about pint sized. It is crippling. It is an emotion that I cannot stand. The sad part about fear is that it never fully goes away. Life wouldn't be life without fear. People are meant to be scared, it is just our human nature to be afraid of what we don't know or understand.

 I have many fears - a few of them shape and mold the way I think or react to everyday life, they include:

 The fear of death - something about dying (especially young) scares me to no end. I am not even sure why, I think it has to do with the fear of the unknown. Who knows what really happens after death; so many people believe in so many different "after life" scenarios that is becomes difficult to come to grips with one belief or idea on the subject. I think I write so much in order to counteract death. I always want to leave the world with a little part of me, even after I am gone. Writing helps me do that, similar to what Tupac Shakur did with his musical career.

 The fear of getting into a deep relationship only to get crushed by the "love of your life." Who out there hasn't felt this fear? I don't think anyone can say that they haven't. This is currently a strong fear in my life. Love is a scary emotion as well. This is also fear of the unknown. I think some people need to forget the fear and follow their hearts. There is no reason why people have to miss out on a potentially great relationship just because they are afraid of how it might end. Again, life is too short not to take the risk!

 The fear of failure - I believe that I have been put on this earth to do great things. What exactly? I don't know yet. I would like to think that I am going to write works that change the way people look at life. Will it happen? Who knows! But I do know that failure is not an option. It is my mission to prove that I should have been voted "Most Likely to Succeed" by my fellow class of 2004 classmates.

 In closing, my question to all of you, is what are you afraid of? What scares you? What makes you emotional? I have been kind enough to share my feelings - why don't all of you do the same? What's holding you back - fear? Nah, couldn't be that, right?

 If you have any questions or comments about this article please contact Keith at keithzimmer@yahoo.com.