Sometimes, things can get truly scary and your fear becomes great. Fear is one of the most powerful forces preventing you from following your dreams.
Nancy and I also promised ourselves not to be afraid to try. This has allowed us to be free to travel the World, dozens of countries and all seven continents.
Here's how overcoming fear works:
We had been let off near the dock for a boat cruise on the Li River in Guilin, China. Standing at the top of the stairs, looking down to the river and dock, perhaps a hundred feet below us, the stairs were much longer, steeper, and way scarier than I was prepared for. I seriously considered turning around and going back to the hotel.
The river cruise company had sent six staff people to help us. None of the men spoke English, but they could sense my fear and each reassured me it would be O.K. I showed them where to lift the chair and five of them made short work of the task, while the sixth person borrowed my camera and took this picture. Nancy and several of the fellows found the whole event a 'fun' adventure- not a chore. They were all quite pleased (I was relieved) when we got to the bottom!
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We went to the Hill Country in the back lands of Northern Thailand. To get into the village, we had to cross a small creek. As you can see, it would be Impossible to take the wheelchair over the narrow, makeshift bridge. An old elephant watched as a couple of the tribesmen voluntarily came over, lifted the wheelchair, and carried Nan across.
They would not take any money for their service. In their belief system, they are blessed if they help a stranger in need. Speaking through our guide/interpreter, they thanked us for letting them earn a blessing, and they praised us for our courage. They told us they were honored we should come so far from our home and country to be with them.
Getting to the Polar bears in the Canadian Arctic required us to fly in a small, four seater float plane. Getting people to help stuff us into this aircraft was relatively easily accomplished once the pilot, who had never previously transported anyone who lacked mobility, figured out the solution: "We need to remove one of the seats first", he said. It took an extra few minutes, but he was totally pleased when the deed was accomplished. He asked me for a copy of the photo so he could show all his friends. "You guys really have guts", he told us.
We could not have have handled any of these situations by ourselves- but we didn't have to. Others could help- and did. If Nancy and I had allowed ourselves to be beaten by fear or lack of courage and determination, we would have missed some of the greatest experiences we have ever had.
There is an abundance of human kindness and compassion in the world. Everyone admires you for trying. Your success becomes a personal quest for them! They will not let you down. Get rid of your fear, trust the solution will be found, and everything else becomes achievable. If you do this, then the following examples may show you exciting possibilities you would never have imagined!
1) Go to Buenos Aires, Argentina, maybe take some tango lessons from street dancers (Black hats are free. Red hats cost extra).
2) Get a super fresh meal on safari in South Africa.
Suggestion: make sure leopard is in a good mood first. Also, don't complain there isn't much left (at least not to leopard).
3) Learn to paint with personalized instruction from elephant-artist in Thailand (Brushes and easel included).
4) Share breakfast with a giraffe while on photo safari in Kenya. (Usually no waiting in line.)
5) Fish on the The Amazon River in Brazil and catch colorful piranha. (Bait supplied free of charge. It helps to know piranha do not eat people).
It takes great determination and hard work, but if we can get to all these places, you can, too!
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