Talkin' about Fear...
So I had an epiphany of sorts the other day...I am currently working on a historiography (writing about what others have written.) paper about Woodrow Wilson and the US foreign relations policy of neutrality before and during the First World War. Heady stuff, really, but no different than any other paper I have written on the conceptual level. I found myself mentally wringing my hands over what to do, what to do, etc...It suddenly occurred to me that this was a big problem (the hand wringing) and that I had always acted this way towards any challenge or assignment that was well within my grasp. I was flooded with this deep sense of calm, and that there was no problem and nothing to fear. I could write this piece, and write it well. My track record so far has proved that. Trust me, I am not making a 3.93 GPA because I'm such a swell guy!
Anyway, the conclusion I instantly came to was that I can do this (and almost anything) with style, panache, dignity, and grace. All I have to do is remember is to do it the best I can and that my HP will be taking care of the results. After 5 years of sobriety, you'd think I wouldn't need to remind myself of these things...Well, I have a built in Forgetter just like the next guy.
I begin my Degree Planning class next week, and the Fear is there too. I want to finish the BA in Historical Studies and then go for my MFA in journalism/photojournalism. I can do the MFA in Albany or The Big City, but that is about two years from now. After that, who knows?
I have been buying old cameras on eBay, primarily the Canon AE-1. I purchased two for a grand total of $150.00, both mint. I'll use the Digital Rebel for color work and the AE-1 as a dedicated b/w unit.
How strange...I am suddenly aware that I am completely at ease with the idea that these life directions are due to parental influences when I was a little boy--to document the space I travel through in words and images and feel wonderful doing it.
No Guilt, no Fear, no Shame, no Embarrassment, no need to get hung up about it...
Johnnyboy
posted by John D.C. Masters @ 10/31/2007
1 Comments:
I have similar reactions when I'm working on something big, and I usually have to talk myself down in a similar way. I've got almost 11 years, so I think it might happen to you again in the future. But you recognize it, and that's progress, right?
I understand your anxiety regarding Degree Planning, but perhaps you'll find it stimulating. The research my professor assigned regarding my own career path, and the subsequent discussions we've had (she's also my advisor)has left me feeling a little anxious, and very excited.
Your goals sound wonderful, and a perfect fit for you and your talents. Good luck!
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