Define phobia...

I know, I know; I have posted repeatedly about fear and different aspects of it, but this one's a little different.

Often in life we can find that something which seems like a big thing to us, will seem like a tiny thing to the rest of the world. My theory for that, is because they're not feeling the same way as us about it, and they do not understand. It's okay for them to not understand, I mean, everybody's different so it's only natural. I've found that some things which fits this description, are phobias.

Again, I'll be totally honest here. Even for those of you who know me, you'll more than likely find that you've never spoken to me via a phone call. Reason being, they terrify me. I've always thought it sounds pathetic, and it probably is, but that's the way it is. I believe phobias in adolescence or adulthood can often be linked to something from our childhoods, but like anything, we can work on them if we want it enough. I think my phone call terror is emotionally and sub-consciously linked to the part of my life where I began to shut myself down to everybody and not speak to many of the people in my life, but I believe it's defeat-able.

Severity of phobias is different to everybody I guess because they're not all really comparable to one another, but I'd probably rate mine as a 7 out of 10. I mean, I was texting somebody a few nights ago and even when they mentioned the possibility of a phone call, my heart began beating out of my chest, but they're not totally an alien subject to me. At the same time though, even when I'm meeting up with someone, for example, and they're late or something, I'd often prefer to wait like an idiot, before I'd put myself through the panic of ringing them. Today I realised just hows sad it is that some people's phobias are so much worse and they're prevented from living their lives so much more than me. Phone calls can mostly be avoided without too much hassle, but some things can't.

If you have a phobia that's taking over your life, realising that it's a problem is your first step. Making the decision to change it or work through it, is the second. There are so many different ways and people that can help you work your way through it, or even just to help improve your ways of dealing with it.

So I didn't make that call a few nights ago, but when I picked up my phone and saw a missed call today, I called back. As I said, to most of you that will seem insignificant, but it shows me a lot about myself.

I'm thankful that I found it in myself to return that call today, because it could be the most important phone call of my life.

You never know how many opportunities you are missing, if you don't let yourself reach out for them.

You don't have to live in fear, but you do really have to want to change it, for you to be able to.

Don't let your phobias hold you down. Free yourself. Fight the odds. Make that phone call, or whatever. Go on, prove to yourself that you are capable.
Courtney's Imagination★

P.s. You won't know either way, but I'm sorry if I have missed your call before, because I was too busy panicking. Maybe if you ring me again someday, I will answer. Bear with me on this one folks.