As five independent working women, we certainly like to think we have our heads on straight and can handle most things that come our way. Deadlines, disputes and doubts are things we’ve been faced with enough times to rationally sort through in an attempt to find the bright light at the end of the tunnel. However, like any other human being, our best-friend-banter has previously revealed that we don’t always have our s**t together. In fact, like the rest of you adults, we still have a number of things that irk us, leave us white-knuckled, vulnerable and sometimes, a little embarrassed to admit. It’s my personal belief that anxiety and phobias aren’t discussed often enough in our society, and even though most are often trivial (mostly non-threatening) ones – it’s important to open up and get our weirdness out in the open. We decided to start here.
What are you most afraid of?
1. Catherine: “Snakes, rats, spiders and an allergy that could end in death from a bee sting, it may be quicker to list what I’m NOT afraid of. But despite my laundry list of creepy crawly aversions, my one biggest fear is falling headfirst. Wait, what? Give me a little coaxing and I’ll willingly jump off a bridge into some friendly waters and will be the first to show off my tree climbing abilities, but bungee jumping? Forget it. Diving off the side of a pool? No thanks. A HANDSTAND? Terrified. Could this speak to a bigger fear of not having control of a situation? Maybe. But all I know for sure is that my heartbeat quickens the minute my head is below my feet. That said, I was obviously the most fun kid to hang out (literally) with on the monkey bars and never once threw a tantrum in swimming class (every time).”
2. Kate: “Open water. But specifically, my fear of sharks. I’ve actually thought about doing a caged shark dive to help me get over my fear. It’s so bad that I made Catherine hold my hand while we snorkelled with clown fish.”
3. Meghan: “I REALLY, REALLY hate bugs. I know that this is a common fear, but I actually loathe all insects. I know, logically, that I’m supposed to love all of God’s creatures and that they all serve a purpose in the chain of life. LOGICALLY, that’s fine. Except any time I see a creepy crawly all of that logic is abandoned. But, before I get too down on myself for an “irrational” fear, I’d like to turn your attention to the following: Cockroaches can survive a nuclear bomb. GREAT. Maggots emerge from old meat and then turn into flies. THANKS, SCIENCE. Google Amazonian Centipede, if you never want to sleep again. The praying mantis is capable of turning its head 360 degrees. EXCORIST STYLE. Mosquitoes have killed more humans than all the wars in history. So, do I have a phobia? Maybe. Is it irrational? I think not.”
4. Jess: “Elevators. Some would liken that to claustrophobia, but I don’t think it qualifies as that, considering it’s mainly the tiny box-like contraptions that I hate. I think the whole thing goes back to what Catherine mentioned – having no control of a situation – and not being able to flee if I want. While I take elevators all the time and by myself, nothing makes my stomach flip like getting in an old, rickety shaft and crawling floor-by-floor to my destination. People suggest sitting down, napping or reading a book if it breaks down. Easier said than done – I think I’ll vomit, strip and pace into the four walls before I get to that place of shoebox serenity.”
5. Kaylee: “There’s nothing worse than something that makes you squirm! Snakes and millipedes do it for me. I’ve overcome my fear of spiders – but those milli-legged creatures, I will never – ever – get used to. And snakes, well, thank goodness I’m not exposed to them all that often, but let’s just say that is the only area of a pet store I will avoid. Even the rats running the subway rails don’t get to me…but there’s something about that slither… eek.”
In a nutshell, embrace your quirks, try to conquer your fears – and certainly never apologize for what you feel.
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