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Prepare to face your fears

 

I have always been a bit of a “scaredy-cat.” Growing up I would share that Edgar Allan Poe was a favorite author. However, what no one knew was I only read his stories during daylight hours. Also, my parents were great fans of Halloween. During my elementary school years, they hosted Halloween parties for our friends that included a very elaborate “spook alley” created from refrigerator boxes, as well as games where overcooked spaghetti became brains, and peeled grapes felt like eyeballs—I knew what they were, but did I really know?


As an adult, this tension between scared and safe has endured. I still only read scary stories during the daylight and watch scary movies at home, while ironing, in the daylight. I love the idea of being scared, but the reality of scary...


Not too long ago we had the wonderful opportunity to live in Sweden for a second time. During our first October several friends strongly recommended we visit Skogskyrkogården (The Woodland Cemetery) on Halloween. What?! Visit a cemetery on Halloween? Terrifying!

When we arrived that evening, my first clue that something was different was having a hard time finding a parking space. The lot was filled. As we got out of the car and made our way to the cemetery, I saw families with prams, toddlers, and children happily, even excitedly, making their way to the entrance. What was going on?


When we finally arrived at the gates, what I saw changed scary to wonder. The grounds were filled with lights: small and large votive candles placed in front of and beside grave markers. The paths were crowded with people of all ages, walking among the graves talking, and some even quietly laughing. However, what surprised me most was an almost tangible feeling of peace and joy as people honored those who had gone before with conversation, memories, thoughts and light.


INVITATION TO ACT:


We can do things that are outside our comfort zone. There truly is no growth in a comfort zone and no comfort in a growth zone. I invite you to face a fear and, although it might still feel scary, you might also have the chance to feel a sense of wonder. I believe we can Prepare to Face our Fears.

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