My neighbor’s original overhead garage door lock circa 1930
I read a few blog posts about the UNword. An UNword is ”A word that haunts us, that we want rid of for good. A word we want to {UN}do in our lives.”
I didn’t actually pick an UNword. My word for this year is freedom. I tried to convert it into an UNword and make it UNfree but that didn’t really work. Then I wasn’t even going to write this post, but ideas kept rolling around in my brain. I realized that for me, being free meant getting rid of fear. So, there you have it. My UNword for 2014 is UNafraid.
I grew up in a home where fear dominated. The weather report called for snow. Nope, can’t go to the school’s awards banquet. You have the opportunity to go on a trip. Nope, you shouldn’t go because the plane might crash.
Over and over and over again, I was taught to fear.
I saw a meme on pinterest the other day that said “The Bible says ‘Do not fear’ 365 times. That’s a verse for every day of the year.” Attached was this verse:
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
So, I want to stop being afraid. I don’t want to hide any more. I just turned 45 and I think it’s about time that I share my photography and writing instead of being afraid that no one will like it or that they will criticize it. Boy, this blog has streeeeeetttttcccchhheeed me since I started it at the end of October.
So, this year, by the grace of God, I’m going to be UNafraid of failure. I’m going to be UNafraid of success. I’m going to be UNafraid of putting my art out there. I’m going to be UNafraid of being different. I’m going to be UNafraid of change. I’ve been locked down by fear for too long.
So, like the Frozen song says “Let it go! Let it go!”
What are you giving up this year? What’s your UNword?
Head over to Life in Grace, Nesting Place, The Painted House, and Fieldstone Hill and check out the other UNwords.
Yes, exactly! This is mine too. I saw your link and your word, and the imagery you chose gave me chills, Because a couple of years ago I was given the image of a big, heavy door which closes against a room full of my worries, and I have the choice to keep it locked or open it.
My UN-word is also fear.
Faith is its beautiful, life-affirming opposite. Faith, not fear. Love it.
Happy new year to you, so nice to meet you!
xoxoxo
Thank you for visiting and commenting, Marie. I visited your site and read your UN-word. Challenging! Yes, faith is so beautiful!
It’s been very nice to meet you and I’ve loved our conversation about bees! 😉
That’s a good question. This year, I’m focusing on “calm” and “balanced.” I’m not sure what my un-word would be though…
Calm and balanced are very good words for the year! I have about a bazillion words I always want to focus on which isn’t very balanced. lol
I absolutely love this post.! That’s probably because I relate to it so much. It is seriously the most meaningful post I have read lately…and to think you almost didn’t write it! Keep sharing what you do! I have also been afraid for a long time to put myself in a position that leaves me open to judgment.
I also remember being told lots of times growing up that I couldn’t do stuff because of the snow. My dad used to plow the township roads around where I lived so I think he was even more biased against bad weather forecasts.
Dawn, Your comment means so much to me. I was afraid to post about being unafraid. 🙂 I am so glad that these words touched you. Thank you so much.
I’m sure your dad saw a lot. It’s a fine line between prudence and fear, isn’t it?
Yahoo !! What a great unword. May your year be full of things that cause you to be bold, adventurous, and full of joy as you open yourself up to the world and share your gifts.
Thank you for the kind words! I accept!
Thank you for visiting and commenting!
Love it, Elizabeth!! Thanks for joining us:)
Thank you for visiting, Edie! It really means a lot! <3
Pingback: Snow Day | Beauty Observed
You’re doing a great job living unafraid! Nice post. I can relate!
Gina,
Thank you! I’m trying! 🙂 I’m glad you stopped by and commented. Please come again!
Great un-word! Mine is lost… I’ve been feeling a bit out of sorts lately so I hope to become un-lost in 2014!
Pingback: Be Still and Know | Beauty Observed
Thank you, Beth. I’m trying to share more of my heart. <3