Friday the 13th
Today is Friday the 13th. A day synonymous with horror movies. A day associated with unlucky misfortunes and superstitions. And of course, Jason.
Confession, I have never watched any of the Friday the 13th movies. In fact, I generally stay away from anything that scares me. Feeling scared is not comfortable, and so, even though it requires endurance to defend against the teasing that follows, I generally do not watch scary movies, go to haunted houses, or interact with clowns.
These are my choices to avoid even a small chance of feeling scared. You probably have things in your life that scare you too. Things that you’ve intentionally chosen to avoid due to the scared feeling you have when you encounter them (or even think about encountering them).
Feeling scared is a temporary reaction. One that either gives you a thrill or one you avoid at all costs. Feeling scared is different than being afraid.
Being afraid is a somewhat constant state of fear; it impacts the way you think, the choices you make, and the actions you take. Fear can paralyze you from healthy action (get out of the house!) or galvanize you to unhealthy action (no, don’t go in there!)
What aspects of you make you afraid of yourself? Those deeper parts you’ve learned to be afraid of because you can’t control it, you can’t let it go, or you can’t face it.
Take the hockey mask off and face your inner Jason.