"One is never really afraid of the unknown; one is
afraid of the known coming to an end." ~Jiddu Krishnamurti
Sometimes I envision myself
standing at the oceanside staring out into the sea with the ocean breeze on my
skin and the endless sight of blue in front of me…an endless blue that is vast, eternal, and filled with the unknown. I think this
can be drawn as a metaphor to everyday life. Sure, we can play it safe and
venture in ankle-deep and stay very comfortable…but really, what’s the fun in that? OR we
can wade out a little deeper and take that risk of becoming completely
vulnerable and embracing how wonderful that sort of vulnerability can really
be.
The safe bet is to stay ankle-deep…it’s very low
risk but also very low reward. Many people live their lives like this,
and to be honest there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, if you
had asked me a couple years ago, I would have probably voted to play it safe in
life, being content with the “status quo”. But sometimes in life you have an
epiphany…a moment where everything becomes, for the very first time, crystal
clear. With this epiphany comes an internal clarity that is one of
the most wonderful things that could ever be experienced…a moment in which a
light turns on and you begin to “live” for the very first time.
I think we often associate vulnerability, or the unknown,
with negative thoughts or consequences…but who says that it has to be that
way? Why are we so afraid of the unknown? Is it because we like to
have control of our lives and that with something unknown we have to cede that
control? Is it because stepping out of one’s comfort zone is just something
that we are discouraged against from a very young age? Or is it because we are
afraid of what we may discover about ourselves if we venture into that unknown?
That we may discover a part of ourselves that we never knew was there? A part
of ourselves that would no longer be content with playing it safe. I don’t know
the answer…but I do know that the only way to find the answer is to wade a
little deeper into that ocean that we call life :)
How about you. Do you fear the unknown?
Since Hubby quit full time work to become a musician, practically every day is unknown... It keeps me on my toes, that's for sure :-)
ReplyDeletewhy are we afraid of the unknown...well because it is unknown and we dont know what we really risk...real living though is all about the risk...i think it comes down to history and perspective as well...you are right in the only way to answer...
ReplyDeleteSafety is an illusion. I crave the unknown. I want to go deeper and deeper and wring all the juice out of this one human life that I know I've got.
ReplyDeleteI love that quote! When I turned 40 last year, I decided I wanted to be more open to trying new things, to saying "yes" more. It can be something small - doesn't have to be skydiving - but it has to be different for me. This post was a good reminder for me to keep going, to keep doing that.
ReplyDeleteYeah we like to feel safe in our own little bubble, only going in so far. But even that bubble can pop at any time, so best to wade in and see what happens.
ReplyDeleteI've had enough of the unknown...I prefer to be an ankle wader...in fact, I may just sit in the sand and have a nap lol.
ReplyDeleteI relate to this post - for the past 6 years I have done nothing but venture into the unknown. While I agree, to a degree, that the uncertainty can be scary, I also feel that feeling can be overwhelmed by the sense of adventure the unknown brings. But I agree with Jiddu's quotation in principle.
ReplyDeleteTake the plunge, act on impulse, live for the day, embrace the unknown for it is filled with excitement routine can never compete with
This is my life right now that you're describing, brother. I've had an epiphany and I'm going to roll with it. I'm all in.
ReplyDeleteI think the older you get the less you fear of at least that is true for me. Do you find that?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment on my lists!! I'm enjoying writing them out!!
ReplyDeleteNo lie I just had a conversation like this with my 401K provider. I'm 27 and this weird guy in a business suit was explaining that I can't live life that safe because the possibilities of the unknown or endless. He was weird because he was more of like a therapist with emotion then just a man in a suit talking about numbers and facts. It was refreshing.
I love taking the risk of changing up my day, going to a new restaurant, meeting new people, clicking yes on a new vacation to somewhere new. I want to see the vast ocean and all it can give! =)
Ergo - Blog
we are afraid of the unknown, because it's a risk. I've done that before with jobs. I stuck with some bad ones cause I knew I could tolerate them rather to venture out and find a better one I didn't know I could do or not.
ReplyDeleteAs a scientist, I don't think I can really fear the unknown. Things are going to happen no matter what and you can either fight it or go with the flow.
ReplyDeleteI think it's true that people fear the known coming to an end more than they fear the unknown. I don't totally fear the unknown, but I would be lying if I said I didn't fear it a little. Though I don't like to play it safe and stick with the status quo on all aspects of my life.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, I love the way you wrote this. Your writing style is so unique. Here's what I think. We have one shot at this life! So don't be afraid to live it :)
ReplyDeletethat's true and being in ankle deep is nothing to frown upon as you say yourself so, I am trying to venture further in but baby steps, if I go to fats I might just drown...
ReplyDeleteWhy do we fear the unknown but not the known? When the certainty of what is already known is taken from under our feet, is that not the more worse position?
ReplyDeleteS
Life's Perceptions
Yes, the fear is unnecessary but being cautious is enough. Exploring something unknown is what exciting and I’m a person wants to experience on this front, consciously and only if we come out of comfort we can extend our memories and cherish the existing life.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Keith. We must be willing to leave the ordinary in order to embrace the extraordinary.
ReplyDeleteI was always one that wanted to know the end of the story, what was around the next bend. Now...today is the day I live in. No fear living in today. I want to add that you are a very good writer....I enjoy reading each of your postings.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post. I try to live one day at a time which is about all I can handle. ;-)
ReplyDeletelol--my life has rarely gone as expected! I've come to embrace the....ingredients, whatever they are. For I frimly believe that the soul that is willing to work--really work--came make a feast out of anything he's given or stumbles into. Unfortunately, I fear I find most people I meet would rather complain about their circumstances than begin cooking. Welcome the new, love the risk, explore...
ReplyDeleteUnexpected ingredients make for delicious invention!
No, I can't really say that I fear the unknown, though I have never been one of those adventuresome persons who step into "unknown territory," so to speak.
ReplyDeleteYou bring up some very good points for thought. This is an excellent post!
Exploring the unknown sometimes give us the chance to study ourselves better !!!
ReplyDeletewaiting for my epiphany...
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Sounds like I'm similar to many others responding, in that I would like to create a bit more risk...and reward. I really like that quote - it makes so much sense. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAfter your post on my blog, I decided to follow you as well. I enjoy your writing!
ReplyDeleteIt is only natural to fear the unknown, but perhaps the dark realms of our imaginations are more frightening than the unknown itself......
ReplyDeleteTo me it's related to the fact that our minds function with concepts, the ego in us judges and labels everything and everyone in order to preserve a fake sense of self, to preserve the boundaries of what we think is ourselves (thus highly limiting the oportunity to really live and be), those are informations that our mind uses to place itself and guess which actions to take, or which positions to hold, we are conditioned to fear what we can't label because it puts the ego in danger of disapearance (and so falsely thinking we'll lost who we think we are, whereas ironically that will be the contrary, the crumbling ego would reveal the real being in us which lives fearless and accepting what is, people, situations, everything, so that is love and happiness)
ReplyDeleteI don't know if i'm very clear here, but that's my opinion.
I am a big believer in chaos, so, in a sense, I see every moment as an unknown, an adventure to be had. It certainly helps keep me from getting bored.
ReplyDeleteI very much like to have a plan. But often the unknown turns out to be the best thing so I try to take the leap every now and then!
ReplyDeleteHumans seem to fear the unknown, for all the reasons you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteBut Hooray for all, who take chances. Not silly chances. Life stretching chances.
I hate the unknown. I love having a plan and being in control. Routine suits me too. But maybe I'm missing out on the best bits of life?
ReplyDeleteI think I used to, but I once took a chance—a big chance—that ended up landing me here with the life I have now, and I'm very happy about that. However, I also like having a plan and knowing what to expect.
ReplyDeleteHow's that for an ambiguous reply? ;)
What a thoughtful and spot-on post.
ReplyDeleteI'm a living contradiction. I'm not a fan of change, in general, but have never feared the unknown. I see the unknown as an adventure, and fear as a tether that could restrain us from exploration and learning. As I've gotten older, though, I've learned one thing: never test the water with both feet.
ReplyDeleteFlying is a bit like that ... if I was a pilot ... I would trust ... but since I'm not ... I'm not ...
ReplyDeleteI would say that I do fear change and the unknown. Most likely because I am a control freak! I don't like it when I feel that I don't know what is coming or have control over it. But sometimes my desires outweigh that fear, like when we decided to move out to the country after living in the city my whole life. Our lives completely changed and I could not be happier! So it is definitely worth the risk :)
ReplyDeletePut me down as a control freak also. I don't accept change well. However, there are times I will throw caution to the wind and take a leap into the unknown. It has, for the most part, always been a rewarding experience when I do.
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah, I'm afraid of the unknown. I tend to play it safe. My recent change in work schedule is NOT the way I usually operate. I took a chance with that, and I think I'm going to be glad that I waded in a little deeper!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a thought provoking post!
I love this picture. I think I could launch out into the deep - if Somebody is holding my hand.
ReplyDeleteThis is so much 'Like' me infact...i have been exploring since gained a bit of decision power about my life...but the difference is I really played it to extremes and in course ruined a bit...nyways that is life..right ? I never let hope die out while plunging myself into smthing unknown ...always hoping for a better result...still :P
ReplyDeleteFrankly I feel a lot of the fear comes from the sense of a loss of control. I don't think control does us much good and when you let yourself go a bit you can find that the unknown isn't always a bad thing...in fact it can be one the best things to ever happen. I don't want to be in a cage of my own making because I won't try anything new...I'd much rather set my course for the horizon and let that path outside my door take me where it will.
ReplyDeleteNot fearing the unknown is a basic psychological flaw....
ReplyDeleteWe fear it, because it IS unknown......... The most important thing to do about the fear is not to be paralysed by it...
Therefore
Fear is good
Most definitely am afraid of the unknown. Ankle deep is okay with me.
ReplyDeleteI kind of like the unknown. It makes life interesting. My husband was in the military so we had move to unknown places. Life's is an adventure. Our newest is his retirement and building a house out in western Maryland.
ReplyDeleteOne reason I don't fear the unknown is because I know that God watches over me and I'm where I should be. : )
I agree, there is a negative association with Vulnerability. I think perhaps there's some merit to that way of thinking, in that so many sharks out there looking for chum in the water, and unfortunately the vulnerable, to such folks, show traces of blood. But as an individual, vulnerability and fragility are very important to an emotional life and I was in a similar boat, a few years back I thought playing it safe, buddying up with the status quo was the sensible thing to do, but when negative consequences happened anyhow, I see no point, well, in most instances, to play it completely safe. That being said, vulnerability can open your eyes to parts of this universe that can lead one upon a pathway that is the safest and most sensible of all, despite what the logic of the populous may believe. Awesome post as always, love how you put these open ended questions that literally apply equally to the deep thinkers as well as to those who simply take things for what they can be at face value. Again. Always great reading the posts, but also the responses to your posts, people always amaze me in so many ways, love that. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI'm not afraid of the unknown, because I believe the unknown is good.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind taking risks in life, but I always do so within the scope of my conscience. Beautiful post, Keith, and I love the landscape.
ReplyDeleteI am more afraid of the unknown now than when I was younger. We always moved when I was a child. I spent almost every year of grade school in a new school.
ReplyDeleteI have lived in several different states and have not lived in my home state of Texas since I was in my 30's. We picked up out of the blue and moved to Maine. Yes it was scary but I didn't want to die and never have lived any place else in my entire life.
I love new experiences and the only way to completely experience a different culture is to live within it. I always dreamed of New England and we went.
But, now we are settled. Our home is payed for. My husband is going to retire and our income will be set and our budget very tight. I would love to make changes right now. But, the thought of losing our home which is payed for does scare me.
After all, it may not be much but it is all we have for our super old old years and also the only thing we have to leave for children after our death.
So I know both sides of this coin...being afraid and not being afraid. I much prefer the 'not being afraid' side of the coin than where I am now.
Who knows what what the future holds? No one really. I never thought I would ever actually truly live in New England. But an opportunity arose and we went for it. You really just never know!
People always like to think they are in control of their destiny. They sail their own ships and make their own way....but, in truth that is not so. You may think you are in control but there are forces much higher than us that truly determine the course our lives will take.
Once, that is totally grasped and understood....fear is simply a lack of faith...so really I am not afraid! I have faith that I can and will survive anything life throws my way. I haven't starved yet!
I am so glad I got that all worked out. Thanks!
I suppose I am slightly afraid. I try not to think about it.
ReplyDeleteIn life I'm not a huge risk taker. I've never liked traveling too much. I get scared of losing my way. I forced myself to fly on my own hours away from Nebraska to Georgia. That was a HUGE step for me. I only flew one other time in my life.
My husband is an atheist. Nothing exists after life to him. I think there is more to it then that. People have passed away, and came back to life. They report similar things. It is possible they are in a dream type state. I don't think so. I don't take the Bible as fact. I think of it more as stories that tell us lessons.
I hear all different views on that. I work with ultra conservative people, then go home to someone that doesn't buy any of it. I guess it's a balance. Ying and yang mentality I live in. I don't like how the conservatives are not accepting of new ideas. They hate people for their choices. If they believe in God and Jesus; they were accepting of others. Jesus befriended Mary Magdalene, which was a prostitute. If the Bible is true, then God is the only one that should judge our neighbors. My husband may not have faith in a supreme being, but he is not afraid to live his life, nor is he afraid of death. He's very accepting of others. He holds high values.
Oh, yes I do fear the unknown. There's so much I want to do but fear holds me back. Just the way I was raised I suppose. Be cautious, don't take risks--these are the lessons my mother taught me. I also fear I've discovered my passion too late in life. Ah well, I'm still blessed. Good post!
ReplyDeleteI don't think that I fear it, sometimes I cautiously embrace it - but the known is definitely a more comfortable (although less exciting) place to be.
ReplyDeleteThe unknown could be better or worse, and that is the fear.
ReplyDeleteThe past few years have been an incredible leap into the unknown. And it was worth it.
I love that picture. It reminds me of when I went to sea. Whether sunset or sunrise, it was always beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, if sunrise, I wondered what in frik I was doing up.
Not overly because I know Who is in charge.
ReplyDeleteHave a super day...
I think the most pertinent question is not whether we fear the unknown, but whether the fear stops you from doing something anyway.
ReplyDeleteI used to have an email signature that read, "Be not afraid of the dark, but rather that which lurks in the dark."
ReplyDeleteBecause it's not the dark that most people are afraid of, but rather it's that unknown thing, person, monster ect...that might be in the dark with them.
I don't really like the unknown, I'd rather know exactly what is going to happen, what I have to do ect..
I don't fear the unknown as much as I used to, but I still have some qualms about it. I think fearing the unknown involves fearing losing control of things, in a way. We have more control over things we know that are going to happen than the things we don't, and we have absolutely no control over the unknown. Great post and photo!
ReplyDeleteI would rather have the known than the unknown. I think the older a person gets the more frightening the unknown becomes. Just my thought.
ReplyDeleteI was raised with ambiguity and impermanence, and yet if I'm fully honest, I will say that there are fears, of course, but they are known to me.
ReplyDeleteI'm not afraid of what I do not know.
:-)
Pearl
Yep.. sometimes because it's all about uncertainties.. but trying to take risk wont hurt as long. In the end you didnt say to yourself "what if" but at least did something..
ReplyDeleteOur entire existence is unknown. So why worry or be afraid? We can have goals, make plans, even take risks, and hope for the best possible result. But we have to let go of the outcome. Control is just an illusion and it stems from fear. Keep doing the right thing ... and trust that all is well ... live in the moment :)
ReplyDeleteI think for me after having kids there is a certain taming of my adventerous spirit. Of course I want my girls to have adventure & surprise but I am just a little more careful with the things I choose.
ReplyDeleteIt depends. I don't always fear the unknown, but I often fear change into a situation that i can't fully understand.
ReplyDelete'Complete vulnerability'...oooh...that is a tough one. I suppose my life is a mix of ankle-deep and no toes touching the bottom.
ReplyDeleteI don't really know if I fear the unknown or not, I probably do in some way. But what I fear even more than that is the what if's that I'll experience later if I don't step out of my comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteI don't think so... unless it's at night!
ReplyDeletegreat post.. the unknown scares me. for that reason i say it's time to deal with the fear and step out my comfort zone.. you were soo right about everything.. when you fear you don't live the life you deserve. my motto is: it's better to regret for something you've dared, instead of something that you haven't.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying not to but, yes like most humans, there's that need for order and meaning that can keep us in those shallows....we need those prods...thank you for this one...and how I love your writing style...so easy to read...so entertaining...
ReplyDeleteI think its a balance between perceived and real risk. We come to see them as the same - so we fear what we think will happen, rather than consider what probably will happen.
ReplyDeleteIts like people who are scared to go indoor rock climbing - you have a rope going up from you all of the time! You can fall. But ask people why they wont do it and they say "I may fall". It makes no sense when you think about it.
Stewart M - Melbourne
PS: if you go over to my other blog (link from the photo-blog) you will find a long piece about Tasmania. SM
Excellent write. No, I don't fear for the future for myself. There is so small, what is left, that it no longer seems a threat. However, I do fear it on behalf of my children and grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteI love the ocean...I fought hard to breathe i was afraid all the time, at 42 I died, I couldn't breathe, i suffocated, I don't anymore, I'm afraid of nothing, when this life ends I'm going to jump into my death with great joy...afraid of the unknown not anymore...'Live your life in love and trust for nothing will happen to a soul that is not meant to' I believe that, I read it, and I believe it.
ReplyDeleteOh I always love your posts they make me think.Love the photo too.
ReplyDeleteI find the older I get the more willing to wade deeper. Not sure why but I must admit I love that. B
Well, I think the unknown is in everything we do - anything can happen. As I get older, in many ways I'm less worried about the outcomes of my actions, but in others a lightbulb of caution goes on and I won't take the risk.
ReplyDeleteI gaze at the ocean every day because it is always changing, alive really. Yes, I like that you use the ocean as a metaphor for life's changes - makes perfect sense. At times, I'm not always ready for change and other times I've been forced to change. Both are hard to deal with.
ReplyDeleteDo you read my mind? Are you actually living IN my thoughts?! I will write more later--this might actually warrant another Inspired-By-Keith post on my own blog. So much unknown in my life lately and so much risk. It's amazing but also very confusing. My life has become a giant risk and I'm not sure what to do about it. Ahh! First world intellectual problems!
ReplyDeletesome unknowns I fear/worry about- but they are usually having to do with things that are beyond my control - like will we always have war....
ReplyDeleteBut at the same time I don't fear reaching out or doing something new- sometimes I do stuff that people say to me "Why are you doing that?" and my reply is "Well if I do this and it works out I'll do it again."
I find it truly remarkable that we wrote on the exactly the same thing Keith. I'm just reading this now. But when I think further, it makes sense! Afterall, when we tune in, we find we are all actually connected on some level. As you can read from my blog post, I've befriended the "unknown" and life has become such an incredible adventure! Peace to you my friend!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm very much a keep-it-safe kind of person. I was raised by two safety freaks! It rubs off on you. :)
ReplyDeleteI have reached that place in my life where I don't want to be ankle deep. I'll take a risk now in pursuit of happiness
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't fear the unknown anymore. Have seen enough to know otherwise. Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteWe like to plan, but there are unexpected things that happen in life and all you can do is trust to step out into the dark unknown. Thank you for a thoughtful and interesting post!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by too. I didn't think about this unknown being the negative. I don't fear traveling and moving but more fear trying for professional things that may not happen.
ReplyDeleteWhat special post, yes sometimes Im adraid about the unknown, but least than in the past, maybe with the age LOL
ReplyDeleteLove this post!
Hi Keith. It's good to meet you and thanks for stopping by my post today.
ReplyDeleteDo I fear the unknown? It all depends. If it is not concerning me, then I have no problem venturing into that unknown. But if it does directly affect me, which I guess is your point here, the answer is yes, I do at times have a problem with facing the unknown directly....especially at initial stages of something.
I liked this post a lot as it makes me face my fears. Thanks.
I think when you get to a certain age, (old), you realize Life itself is a great unknown. I try to embrace it.
ReplyDeleteFabulous post. Love it.
ReplyDeleteI fear things that I can not control. And I guess, when you think about it, that is pretty much everything. ACK! But, I try not to let my fear hold me back. I usually make myself do things I'm afraid of. I don't want to miss out of life because of fear.
Again, love this post. Thank you!
And thanks for your comment on my blog. :)
Thank you for the lovely comment on my blog.
ReplyDeleteGetting older has given me one very great gift; losing the fear of the unknown. Or, rather, fear of embarassing oneself when embracing the unknown because, in one very honest moment a few years agone, I realised it was really the fear of embarassment which was holding me back. Much better, and funner, to live with an attitude of loving playfulness!
I am your newest follower, and from what I've read so far methinks I'm going to enjoy reading your blog.
How interesting! One of my goals this year is to "feel the fear and do it anyway." It helps to live in the moment. My imagination often makes things way scarier than they actually are. Great post!
ReplyDeletehmm i wouldn't say i fear the unknown, but i certainly worry about the future. is that the same? i dont think it is.
ReplyDeleteI fear the unknown, but I am also willing to venture out into the deep ocean. I have been experiencing those epiphany moments. It's time, time for me to move in the ocean a little further and go against the fear. "the unknown" to me means anxiety, uncertainty, lack of control, but it also means discovery, knowledge and excitement.
ReplyDeleteMadison:)
I fear death, which is unknown.
ReplyDeleteKeith, my friend,
ReplyDeleteI venture into the unknown with the curiosity, the wonder, the inquisitive nature that is the inner child. For to change, one must challenge the uncomfortable comfort zone.
And Keith, from the beach of dreams, I gaze upon the ocean, note where the sky and sea embrace and venture into the unknown.
In peace and goodwill,
Gary
It's not something I've thought about enough. Every day seems to have a struggle in it at some level so I guess I'm more focused on seeing it through. I'll consider it more one day!
ReplyDeleteFear, no. Nervous, yes. But that's where the thrill comes from. I've always enjoyed visiting new places and trying new things much more than everyone else I know.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful photo, and a thoughtful post. Yes, I fear the unknown, but I'm also excited by it.
ReplyDeleteI don't like to step too far out of my comfort zone, but I do try to make myself do that anyway, because I know I am missing out on a lot of things if I don't. Thank you for visiting and commenting on my blog today. Nice post!
ReplyDeleteWhat a thought provoking post!
ReplyDeleteI love the unknown because I find joy in the surprise and freedom in not controlling. I became so much lighter and happier when I gave up the need to control and micromanage. Here's to all of us finding our wings and flying.
Thank you Keith.
I certainly do fear the unknown! But if I have to venture out, I will.
ReplyDelete"One is never really afraid of the unknown; one is afraid of the known coming to an end." ~Jiddu Krishnamurti
ReplyDeleteThis is so true. Excellent post. I do worry about the unknown.
I'm optimistic. I've always been a risk taker. Fear of the unknown? Only when I'm swimming in the ocean. As I get older, I worry less. Live life to the fullest, but not recklessly.
ReplyDeleteI liked the depth of your thoughts and your post, I am also afraid of unknown.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
Aunt Mary easyway1234.blogspot.in
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When I was young, I loved to do things my parents would consider physically dangerous but I rarely risked the horror of embarrassment. Now I tend to protect my body (probably because I have a better understand of its limits) but I'm getting better about putting myself out there, even if I might fall on my face.
ReplyDeleteI live for the unknown and used to carry a quote about it from one of Carlos Castaneda's books in my travel journal.
ReplyDeleteKnowing there is the unknown, that another adventure, a city or country to visit, something new to learn, someone to meet, another sentence to read, a word or language to discover, a new way of seeing things differently or even a very old way of seeing something new,the unknown is part of my raison d'etre.
We are at our best in the face of the unknown.
Nice post! Thanks for dropping on my blog:)
ReplyDeleteI can't say that I am actually afraid of the unknown. Occasionaly I will get little pangs of anxiety as I am embarking on a new path, but I take those as notices that I am still alive and breathing. I live for the unkown, even if it seems daunting at times. Great analogy in your post, couldn't agree more.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! For me, that quote pretty much sums it up perfectly :)
ReplyDeleteI guess I'd have to say, yes, I am afraid of the unknown.
ReplyDeleteNot to a great degree, but that fear is definitely there!
The "known" feels safe and predictable:
whereas "unknown" feels out of my control, possibly even a little threatening.
Time for a mental shake-up, I think!!
Many thanks for giving me a timely shove! Hehe:D
I don't fear the unknown, I respect it. I spent the first half of my life running head first into it... I'm now at a point where ankle deep (with the occasional jaunt off of the sandbar) suits me fine. However, I do feel that people should, at some point in their lives, embrace the unknown, it's how a person grows.
ReplyDeleteI only like the unknown if I know what it's bringing ;) However, I MADE myself go from England to New York on my own last year and spend time with just myself for a week. That was an interesting experience and I'm glad I did it. I think taking risks in life is a good thing as that's what makes us grow as long as those risks don't affect anyone else adversely.
ReplyDeleteI think its natural to feel the unknown, specially when you are very comfortable where you are right now. I can relate to the desire of be safe, but unfortunately, life has a way to throwing the unexpected curve ball to us ~
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your musings ~
I've always feared facing the unknown, I think it is human nature to do so. But stepping out of one's comfort zone has many rewards, and though it can be frightening it can always be wonderful. And one does learn new things about oneself, and sometimes they are some of the best things that person could ever learn.
ReplyDeleteI think it depends how complicated your life is. If you are feeling overwhelmed, you may want to get your present situation under control before venturing any further into the unknown. Your instinct will tell you what is best, trust it.
ReplyDeleteI think I was many times at the so called confort zone.
ReplyDeleteBut I am risking and living in a more balanced way;
Kind regards from Life
Grappling with the whole "vulnerable" issue myself. Trying to become much more comfortable with in that zone... and remind myself that it is a strength, not a weakness. Oy vey! :)
ReplyDeleteits like the matrix, all about choice
ReplyDeletechoose to face your fear and dive into what could be a grand adventure or choose to stay in the shallows and let the waves caress your toes.
i dive in, but i have researched and bring all the gear to protect me from the sea critters!
I used to fear the unknown but a lot has happened to me over the years and now I know you just have roll with the punches.
ReplyDeleteI do, and yet it's exhilarating to think about the possibilities. I'm an optimist at heart so as I've grown older, it's been easier and easier for me to plunge into new adventures and situations. Some haven't worked out so well, but usually I'll have a wonderful little adventure I wouldn't otherwise have had. This little "adventure" I'm having with my aunt is a trial, but I'm also getting to know her in a whole new way, and I'm enjoying that part of it. But for awhile I did hang back, thinking it was "none of my business" for sure.
ReplyDeleteI like not knowing...
ReplyDeleteCan we ever truly 'know' the 'unknown'?
ReplyDeleteI often wonder, when looking at the ocean, vast, endless, I wonder how those people might have felt when they first sailed across it, what special hearts they might have had... or special maps, as some are saying! :-)
such an intriguing post. thanks for sharing those thoughts.
ReplyDeletenew follower :)
www.fivefootseven.com
A very intriquing thought. I have stepped into the unknown many times in my life and have rarely regretted it. Even when it didn't turn out the way I envisioned, I always learned something from the experience. But sometimes it does take a little push to get out of our comfort zones. I guess as I get older, the more I realize that you can't control life, you just have to take the leap or go with the flow. xx
ReplyDeleteThat is a great quote Keith. Only yesterday I was talking to a friend who cannot let go of his feeling of being abandoned as a child. I pointed out this is now part of his identity and he is frightened of having to form a new sense of identity. He is 62! So yes it is the fear of having to change that with which we identify which can stop us exploring the unknown.
ReplyDeleteWe always fear what we don't know... may be because its unpredictable... and we don't like that..
ReplyDeleteinteresting read !!
I go through phases. When I am content, I don't "wade into the deep waters", but when I find that something is missing, I am more apt to take chances!
ReplyDeleteChange is scary and being something more than what we are is even scarier. I think it the fear comes from the perspective that there will be more responsibility and we will be stepping further into the light, exposing ourselves. Great post!
ReplyDeletethis was an excellent post. I don't know why most of us fear the unknown, I know I always did-I was afraid of everything-meeting new people, going somewhere on my own where I knew no one-I finally broke out of this a bit upon retirement. I think we need to go threw different life experiences and for me with age (I am in my 60s) I am working on expanding myself to continue to learn new things
ReplyDeleteI definitely fear the unknown, I don't know how not to. But as I get older i am genuinely trying to break out of my comfort zone, and open myself up more, and it is very empowering. I will continue to wade out into the waters one step at a time :)
ReplyDeletethanks for your comment on my blog. this post, well first that quote, and then this post really resonated. thanks for writing it!
ReplyDeleteThe only unknown I fear is death. I know it's coming one day, but it's the unknown that terrifies me. Life and the unknowns in life are exciting.
ReplyDeleteI love that movie ... but I have to say my all time fave is Hope Floats! Lived it, so can feel it even more :) Thanks for visiting my bloggy :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post and question! The answer is facing the unknown and leaving the comfort zone. I would have to say I am not a risk taker.
ReplyDeleteThat photograph is stunning - could look at it for ages and ages! Great blog post! :)
ReplyDeleteI have traveled down that path so many times--that I think I must embrace it---your posts are thought-provoking!
ReplyDeleteGoing into the 'unknown territory' with my kids is probably harder for me than anything.But, I know in the end who really is in control and really what the end holds for me so really....when I remember this the fear that grips me eases off a bit. You really make one think there Sir!
ReplyDeleteHate to be sappy and shit, but I love this. Speaks volumes to me, right now. And I open the door to the unknown, and offer them a glass of whiskey.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting question. I have very little fear of actually stepping into the deep end of the pool or swimming way out into the ocean...however, I have serious control issues with fearing the unknown in life. I want to know all the details before hand...and I don't like life surprises. I know I need to work on that...but I may be too old to change!
ReplyDeleteI used to be afraid of the unknown... sometimes I still fight it but it is the only place to grow beyond who we are to be who we are meant to be.
ReplyDeleteI am learning to work with all the little surprises life offers me... not always easy but in the end usually most rewarding:)
Oh I love the quote that you chose!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I am extremely afraid of the unknown, but I do know that I need that moment in which a light turns on and to begin to 'live' for the very first time as you said. But I do not know why.
Loving your blog! You are amazing!!! :)