This is a lesson that I need to remember and my guess is that a lot of us are the same.
As I get older, I realize new things kinda frighten me. There was a day when I would jump right in and tackle any project and never think “that’s too hard!” A new software program; a sewing pattern, a decorating project, etc.
Here are a few examples:
- Back when we had modems that we inserted into our computer, I wanted a faster modem and changed it out myself. Nowadays, I’m not sure I’d even tackle such a simple task.
- When I bought my first version of Electric Quilt software, it was DOS. I had never heard of DOS, didn’t have a clue how to use it but I wanted to learn and I did learn.
- I had never hung wall paper. This was way before the days we all had internet and Youtube. It was in 1989 to be exact. We bought a house in Texas and I wanted wall paper in the breakfast area. I went to the local decorating shop, ordered the wall paper and all the supplies they said I needed to hang it. The explained to me exactly how to do it. The ex and I were going to hang it . . some day. Being the night owl that I am, everyone was in bed except me and I thought . . I’m going to hang that wall paper. I got out the supplies and stayed up the entire night but I got all the wall paper hung. The house was for sale several years ago and the wall paper was still up so it’s nice to know it didn’t all fall off.
Bad picture from an old real estate listing but there’s the wall paper I hung many years ago. By the way, that house had the most wonderful kitchen!
I can’t believe after all these years, the tile counters are still there. It was an older house when we bought it but the tiles were smooth and even, unlike the slate tiles I had on my kitchen counter when we bought this house.
I keep putting things off and I don’t think of myself as being afraid to learn or afraid to tackle new things, but I think I am. I want to do some of those massive colorwork projects. I always tell others . . just do it! It’s only yarn but yet I keep buying patterns and have you seen me doing any massive colorwork projects? No! I did the colorwork reindeer for Addie’s hat but that was simple.
Seriously, when I finish these two test knits, I’m going to do something massive colorwork project. Well, maybe not totally massive but maybe I’ll do Heart Beet. That’s pretty and I’m excited about doing it. I guess my Leftovers Cowl is kinda massive but I’m not making a lot of progress on it.
When I first began feeling uneasy about driving over bridges, I should have nipped that feeling in the bud . . worked through it however I had to do it, and not let it develop into a full blown fear of bridges. I can remember driving across the bridge from Kentucky to Indiana and feeling like “I don’t like this” but I had to cross that bridge to get to the quilt shop so I did it but within a year or so, I was driving an hour out of my way to go over a bridge that was easier for me to cross, when I had crossed the first one for years without having an issue. I gave in to my fear and now I cannot drive over a big bridge.
I’m not going to let that happen again so I’m going to be more bold and if there’s something I want to do, I’m going to do it and not put it off.
I have a friend who will not get a colonoscopy or a mammogram because she’s afraid. I’m not sure if she’s afraid of the results or what. She’s my age so I guess if she’s made it this long, I shouldn’t hound her. Who likes the colonoscopy prep but it’s something we all need to do so I can do that.
I am not going to be controlled by fear . . even if it’s just wimpy fear. But, I’m still not going to drive across scary bridges! 🙂
pattilynn9 says
Cologuard is sample without the prep…easier.
Judy Laquidara says
I believe Cologuard is for people without any risk factors of colon cancer so how do you know if you have polyps if you’ve never been checked. I had no idea I had polyps. My last colonoscopy, I did have polyps and now have to have the colonoscopy every 5 years instead of 10. When it comes to cancer, I’ll skip easy and do the colonoscopy route.
I read online that the cost is $649 and insurance may or may not pay for it. There’s a 13% false positive/negative. In my mind, I think I’ll stick with a couple of days of misery and have my colonoscopy.
PatCarter says
This is so true! When I was younger, I, too, would jump right in and do things without fear. New longarm, feathers–I can do that (they were really bad, square feathers!); learn networking so I can teach it–no problem; crocheting an afghan on the diagonal–why not! Now I am hesitant to even try new things!
Donna says
I was told years ago that’s why we send young men off to war and not older people! The young are fearless! I agree with everything you have said especially not letting fear take over! I too am hesitant now to try new things but I always think what is the worse thing that can happen? Your friend has let fear take over her life! A mammogram and colonoscopy are major inconveniences but I would rather find something early and get treatment than find out too late. My sister had breast cancer. It was horrible. Thank God we have modern medicine.
Kathleen says
I’ve noticed the same with me. It makes me feel like an out of touch old lady, which I swore I’d never be.
Liz says
I can also relate to being a bit slow to change – heck I still have a flip phone since I don’t want to always be connected.
But, I have made some changes – I have an Instant Pot & I use it. I’m radically changing my eating habits to try new things and skip the old bad stuff. I’m being real serious of finally letting go of things – a very slow KonMari project. And, I finally made the jump to streamline my records by buying a portable scanner. It’s smaller than a three hole punch. Part of me is worried about losing the data, but then I think if I had a house fire, the paper records would also be gone. I’ll just have to be really good with my backup routines. I am starting with the current year to get the routine down and then I’ll probably go wild with clearing out old stuff.
Here’s to change!
Pat Anderson says
I’m not sure it is totally about fear…I think we get tired…things seem overwhelming that would have been easier for a younger, more energetic person. Also, the aches and pains wear you down (since my two car accidents, I’m more aware of how many people deal with chronic pain). I agree that the bridge thing was probably fear…we moved three times in one year (Washington state, Maryland, California) and I got a bad case of agoraphobia…I was only in my mid-30s so it wasn’t age related. I had to get a job and get out of the house. It was extremely hard. So I think it’s a combination of things and it is sometimes just easier as a senior to not put yourself in situations that would add stress to your life. Hope that makes sense!
Nelle Coursey says
The bridges I do not like are the ones like the one that goes from Port Isabel to South Padre Island. Or the one that goes In 1964 my mother and I were taking a Greyhound bus to Jacksonville Fl. and we had to cross the Mississipi from La to Miss. Well the bus broke down just outside of Jackson and we had to be towed across that two lane bridge to get into Jackson! Talk about scary!!
Susan N. says
There are things I used to be able to do, but I’m not now. I know I’ve lost the capacity to do certain things – the mental capacity. It’s a little daunting to recognize the difference – a little like being the main character in Flowers For Algernon. I think you’re right about fear, though. You can’t let that get a hold on you. It magnifies. I’ll be looking forward to seeing your massive colorwork projects. =)