Afraid of What?

  Dictionary.com defines Fear as a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined. The feeling or condition of being afraid.

  I grew up with three older brothers who taught me to fear nothing... but them. I was never even really squeamish of many things. Yea, when I was younger I wasn't afraid of much...until one of those said brothers put a snake in the mailbox. He waited patiently until I got off of the school bus then yelled, "Kelly, check the mail!" Imagine my surprise, and first felt fear, when I opened the mailbox and a very angry garden snake hissed at me. I, Kelly Watson, would never be the same. Nightmares of snakes occurred regularly. Especially ones of snakes in my bed. Yes, that was probably one of my first instances when I could honestly say I was afraid of something. Thank you brother, as that fear of snakes has stayed with me throughout my life.


  I think that fear of snakes made me feel like I couldn't have any other fears. If I was afraid of one thing that was enough...right? I was not afraid of deep sea fishing. I was not afraid of flying. Give me the window seat every time. Rides at amusement parks don't scare me. Something happened somewhere along the way though. This was something that crept into my unsuspecting body and reared its ugly head at the most inopportune time.

  This past Christmas I spent time in Savannah, Georgia. I took a day and visited beautiful nearby  Tybee Island. I found the wonderful white sandy beaches. I shopped at quaint  boutiques. I  enjoyed every minute. I then sought out the Tybee Lighthouse. 

  To my surprise I discovered one could climb the one hundred and seventy eight stairs to get to the top of it. I was assured a breathtaking view. I was so excited I jumped at the chance.  My muscles burned as I rapidly climbed the steps as if the view would change if I didn't make it there faster. I made it to the top and stepped outside prepared for the beauty to take my breath away. My breath was taken away alright. I lost all of it as huge suction cups formed on my hands and whole backside. I learned very quickly that I am suddenly afraid of heights. The wind blew my hair into my eyes. I left it there. I had all of the oxygen of the world surrounding me yet I couldn't breathe any in. I did finally get enough gumption to take a couple of pictures.

  I found I couldn't get back to the bottom fast enough. I nearly fell to my knees and kissed the ground! The views were astounding, and I'm glad I did it. Unfortunately now that I know of my new fear I won't be doing anything like that again!

What frightens you? Were your fears brought on by someone else? Do you have fears that came on later in life?