"Behold wonder." by Liz Flaherty #WordWranglers

We talk a lot, the Wranglers. Although we haven't even all met in person, we trust each other, and we know that what gets talked about in the Corral stays in the Corral. Except for when the conversation spills over the fence and we share it here. Which is where this month's theme--fear--came from. Because we've all got 'em and I imagine you do, too. Talking about them within that Corral was easy--remember the trust thing?--but I'm discovering it's not so easy putting it here.

I wrote about fear in February for another blog. It wasn't about fear as much as it was about not letting it rule you. I try not to do that. But we're in a different place here. Here, we're just talking. Around the fire with a glass or cup of something warming. In the Corral.

When it comes to writing, I have several fears. I'm afraid every book will be my last, that no one will read my column anymore, that the blank screen will one day stay blank. I'm afraid I won't know when to quit. The other day, I told my daughter and son-in-law that when the time came to take away my keys, it was up to them to do it because I'd never realize my driving days should be over. However, my kids can't tell me when to stop writing. Or won't. My husband would never tell me to call it a day because I was writing crap. Maybe it will be up to the Wranglers to get together and murmur in hushed voices that it's time. It's time.

Added in later after conversation with Nan. Possibly my biggest fear of all when it comes to writing is that every time I'm under contract, I'm afraid I won't be able to finish the book. Every. Single. Time. I don't see that going away anytime soon. I'd love to hear if other writers worry about that. (Nan said she hopes they do--she doesn't want to be in that pool alone. 😀)

Personally? I fear not being loved. Although I have loved and been loved every day of my life, it's still there in the back of my mind that someday I might look up and there will be no one to love me. I can't believe I just admitted that, but there you go.

But I am lucky that those fears--and others, like water--have never ruled me, like I mentioned above. This isn't to say they haven't given me some rough days and nights. But not that many. Not as many as I've had good ones. Splendid ones.

We'd love to have you join us around the fire. Tell us what you're afraid of and how you deal with it.

Richard Bach said, "Overcome fear. Behold wonder." I think I'll keep watching for the wonder.