Fear and Freedom

Expose yourself to your deepest fear; 

after that, fear has no power, 

and the fear of freedom 

shrinks and vanishes. You are free. 

~Jim Morrison~

I had to read this a couple of times, and then I loved it.  You see, a long time ago, I was terrified of heights.  I didn't know what to do or how to overcome it.  I couldn't go up on high edges because I imagined myself falling off.  

I had some friends who believed that the best way to treat my problem was with a healthy dose of rock climbing.  I learned to climb.  Small heights at first, and finally larger ones.  I have climbed in Las Vegas, Colorado, Utah and California, as well as all around the state of Arizona. I have climbed in the Grand Canyon, and Yosemite.   I have stood at Toroweap and looked down to the river far below.  I learned to overcome my fear until it had no power to control me.  

I can't say that I am completely over my worries of heights, but they don't stop me from doing what I enjoy anymore.  I am more willing to hike and be outdoors.  I am more willing to look over the top of a canyon.  I still worry about the kids falling, but I have stopped worrying about falling myself.  

I have had some amazing experiences all while overcoming my greatest fear.  I have seen beautiful places, and beautiful things.  I have had moments that I will cherish for the rest of my life.  Sunrises and Sunsets, Vistas and views all within my reach as I struggled and learned and overcame.  

The fear is gone and I am truly free.