Facing your fears....

Lately I have been doing things I have avoided my entire life: public speaking, driving over scary bridges, and even confronting mean scary giants. It's amazing to see how you can grow and develop with encouragement and faith! First, let's address the public speaking fear. Ever since I had to read a paper to my high school World History class and completely lost in in front of the entire class, I have avoided speaking in public. Avoided at all costs. I almost didn't come to law school because of it. Last week, we had our dreaded oral arguments. Every 1L, even the ones who you can picture on the back of a phone book, cower at the sound of the letters "o" and "a" together. OA consists of a 15 minute speech, that you work on all semester, and then the second you open your mouth, 3 judges start asking you questions that you never could possibly imagine. You try to think of all possible questions, but can you ever predict hearing "Well, we don't go to the cow pound and get cows, do we?" What??? So, I woke up that morning to a racing heart, curling stomach, and shaking hands. It only worsened as the day progressed. My argument wasn't until 7PM. When I stood up to say "May it please the court" all of the fear left my body (except the fear that I would say condom instead of common and pubic instead of public). It was invigorating. It's not my bag, but at least I know that when I have to fight for someone, I can get it out. Second, I have always avoided bridges. They also make my heart race, stomach curl, and hands shake. There is one in particular, The Matthews Bridge, just down the street from my house, that is super scary. I took it twice this month, on purpose, by myself. It's like I'm not even scared of them anymore. Third, I have never been one to confront scary, mean people, especially big giant grumpy ones. I did today, and it was nice: frustrating, but nice. It is the first time I have ever stood up for myself, and others, without being shaky and insecure. It's easy when you know that something needs to be said to initiate change, but no one else will say it. Hopefully I did the right thing and he will think about the way he treats other people, at least every once in a while, at least even once.
What are some of your fears that you have conquered or want to conquer?

Comments

[Kirsten]

I used to live in Jacksonville and I know the bridge you're talking about. It's terrifying. I think it looks like a giant bontosaurus (Sp?). It makes me hate dinosaurs. When I go over it on the rare trips to Jax, I roll up the windows in the car, turn off the air, radio, etc. and sit is stone cold silence. No one is allowed to talk and the driver, because it's never me, must drive on the inside lane. You are a very brave woman!

[alicia]

I am so glad that your oral arguments went well! I cannot imagine you being afraid of anything. I always think of you as a giant slayer! It's funny how we perceive someone and how they perceive themselves. I am so proud of you. I cant' wait to get into legal trouble (probably sleeping with my hot 18 year old student, just kidding)so I can call my legal eagle. I would have no doubt you could get me off (legally). :)Did you think about opening with "May it please the c***" It may have lightened the mood. Maybe next time? Good job