I’m forced to face my arachnophobia [fear of spiders] throughout the summer months in Seattle – which is manageable in relatively controlled environments. Heights bother me only in utterly exposed situations, which is a different fear altogether.

When I have a good opportunity to face my fears, I take it – nervously.

On our first cruise, Ponzi cajoled me into climbing a rock wall that stood on one end of the ship. I wasn’t really comfortable with the idea of doing it at sea (despite the extended safety precautions). I didn’t embrace the idea enthusiastically, but went through with it for Ponzi’s sake (seriously, or the whole vacation would have boiled down to me “not listening” or “not wanting to have fun” despite any personal fears or shortcomings that counter her own).

I hated every moment of this rock-climbing experience, and would just as soon drink a gallon of bleach than climb anything ever again. The prick controlling the cable told me that I didn’t ring the bell after I did the first time – and wouldn’t let me down until I rang it again. Asshole! If the Almighty would have wanted us to scale walls with plastic nubs attached, he would have given us claws instead of fingers.

Why’d I do it? Just to prove to myself that I could, I guess. Sometimes you grow by facing your fears – even if the overcoming is merely temporary. Don’t ever ask me to go climbing with you – I’ve done it, and I don’t like it.

Overcoming Your Fears