Put fear in its place

If, like me, you’re using the excitement and momentum of NaNoWriMo to make progress towards a writing goal, tomorrow is a big day. 

I’m nervous. I’m afraid I won’t accomplish what I’m setting out to do (draft a micro story each day in November), and if I don’t do what I set out to do, it will mean I’m not a good writer or I’m not a writer at all. 

I know these feelings aren’t true. (Feelings aren’t facts!)

A little bit of fear is good; It means this goal is important to me. I will keep the fear in perspective… maybe I’ll put it in a jar so that it has a place but it doesn’t take over. 

(I actually got a jar to symbolize that I’m acknowledging the fear and giving it a very specific and limited place at my desk with the books I’m reading this month for inspiration.) 

Once the fear is in its (limited) place, there is more room for excitement and anticipation and creativity.