most afraid.

Day 7: The thing(s) you're most afraid of

Some people are afraid of clowns or heights. Some even of blind dates and getting their eyebrows waxed. Thankfully, not me.

Instead, I'm afraid of odd things.

 
Things like getting stung by a poisonous bug and dying within 30 seconds.

Things like getting a blood clot.
Things like choking and having nobody around to do the Heimlich.

Things like being trapped on the highway in traffic when I need to eat something and not being able to get off at an exit.

Things like gunmen showing up wherever I may be.

Things like having an allergic reaction to a food or medicine.

And while my biggest fear of all-time will go unnamed here (call me superstitious, but writing about it scares me enough), even that still exists.

As I look over this list, I realize what a scaredy cat I really am. The majority, if not all, of those things are outside of my control. I've learned to cope with several of them, and some I'm still working on. But, I definitely have my struggles from time to time.

For instance, one day the thought popped into my head that I may be allergic to peanuts, shrimp and strawberries. This is crazy because these three items are three of my favorite foods ever. And yet, for almost the past 18 months I haven't eaten them and have avoided them at all costs. I've never had an allergic reaction to any of them, and still these fearful thoughts exist in my head. See what I mean?

I like to think it takes a brave person to admit when they are afraid. They are admitting to something rather than pushing it under the rug. They are examining and they are challenging themselves. And thus, this list has done so for me.

In reality, I really have nothing to fear because I have Someone on my side who suppresses those ugly thoughts and makes them disappear. I'm trying to remind myself of that more and more as each day passes.

Are you afraid of anything like I am?

what I do.

Day 6: If you couldn't answer with your job, how would you answer the question, 'what do you do'?

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The biggest lesson I've learned in my 28 years on this beautiful earth is that remembering the little things is of the utmost importance. For, in the end, it won't be the cute outfit I put on or the award I won for something I wrote. But, rather, the excitement I felt when discovering my favorite spot in Cincinnati or having a hand to hold; eating a $20 piece of tiramisu; getting a letter in the mail; rolling down the windows in the summer; cracking open a new book; singing "Catch a Falling Star" with a little one. 

I pride myself on not being focused on the "big" things that so many in this world seem to. While it's what some might desire, this little Italian doesn't need a mansion or expensive jewels--instead, I put my energy on those seemingly small moments that come when we're least expecting. 

Because, in the end, the little things are the biggest to me. So, while I work in an office 40 hours each week, tickling the keyboard and writing my days away, it's not where my heart lies. I have a passion for writing and a love of my profession, but what I do is at the top of my list. 

wonderfulblogger.

Day 5: Publicly profess your love and devotion for one of your blogger friends. What makes them great? Why do you love them?

I love so many bloggers, it's really true. I've learned from so many and befriended a small handful. It's always weird to describe my blogging friends to my "real" friends. This community of ours is unique, and I'm thankful for it. We write; we support; we care; we e-mail; we connect. We're devoted and dedicated, and I think that's pretty darn special.

But, if I had to pick one blogger that I've come to love, it would have to be Nicole from Bloom. I'm not even quite sure how I stumbled upon her blog way back when, but she's as sincere as they come and for me, that's big. Huge. Gigantic. We've become e-mailing pals and it's so refreshing to get a kind note from her.

She's really inspired me as a woman of God and just a lovely person. Those are hard to come by these days, I've found, and it's so nice to know that people like her are still out there. Not only did she recommend one of my favorite books, but she also is all about the little things, which I appreciate all the more. As a recent newlywed, Nicole has reminded me that God works all things together for good and that He has my future in control.

Stop by and say hello, and tell her I sent you!

favorite quote.

Day 4: Favorite quote (from a person, from a book, etc.) and why you love it.

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I've mentioned it numerous times on this little blog of mine, but I struggle with anxiety from time to time. I've come a long way since my first panic attack and I've found a variety of ways to get me through the anxiousness I feel. This quote is one of them. 

In my last quarter of college, I was incredibly upset and having the toughest time. I often had anxiety attacks on the hour, every hour--and I even went to the hospital twice in one day because I was so afraid of how I was feeling. But, little by little, I reminded myself that in the end, everything would be alright.

Since then, this quote has become a part of me. It has sunk deep within and serves as a constant reminder that things will work out. While it may not always be how I have pictured in my head, things inevitably will be OK. 

I listened to this song a lot during those tough times, and I think the melody became part of the blood that runs through my veins. Whenever a difficult situation presents itself now, I try to think back on that time and that motto. It's a simple thought, and for me, it's exactly what I need.  

What's your favorite quote?

uncomfortable.

Day 3: Things that make you uncomfortable.

 

I can't say that I've ever put together such a list as this, but I'm up for the challenge. Perhaps some of these make you uncomfortable, too.

 

1. Hearing nails being filed, seeing nails being filed or having my own nails filed. Just typing this gives me the goosebumps.

2. Having to tell someone I don't like many vegetables.

3. Women who wear leggings as pants in public.

4. When dogs lick my face.

5. Riding elevators for more than one floor.

6. When someone asks for a volunteer and nobody volunteers.

7. Cars that have tinted windows.

8. Guns.

9. Gerbils, hamsters and other rodents.

10. When hair gets stuck to soap in the shower.

11. Having someone stand directly behind me when I'm playing piano.

12. Leaving the house without having a glass of OJ.

13. Christopher Walken.

14. Airplane restrooms.

15. Getting my blood pressure taken.

16. Swallowing pills--especially big ones.

17. Hearing or reading the r-word.

18. Being alone when tornado sirens sound.

19. When my check engine light comes on.

20. Haunted houses.

On a brighter note, here's one thing that makes me very comfortable: the weekend arriving! Enjoy yours!