My lovely Fears,

I’m writing this letter to thank you for what you’ve done for me over the years. If it wasn’t for you, maybe I would have ended up jumping off a cliff without a rope, or driving recklessly and risking other people’s lives. You’ve been looking after me during all those years and I appreciate that.

I hope you can acknowledge what I’ve done for you, too. I have fed you and let you run my life. There have been times when I’ve sacrificed my own dreams and ideas in your favour. That’s right – I’ve put your well-being in front of mine. I’ve treated you like my children, I’ve nurtured you and let you grow strong. Now you’re old enough, we can have a serious conversation.

To my biggest child – the Fear of failure

A special thank you to you, my dear. I’ve achieved outstanding results because of you. You’ve made me think more creatively about the situations I’ve encountered. You have made me realise that problems are only problems if you see them as ones.
By the way, what’s really failure? FAIL in itself means First Attempt In Learning, doesn’t it? So, it’s all learnings, no setbacks. Also, failure is relative. What I’ve considered a failure a year ago, would have been a major success a few years prior to that. Even failure evolves over time, and how can something that progresses not be a success?

To the rest of you:

Like a parent of a teenager, I’ve tolerated more than I should have over the years. There have been times when the way you’ve expressed yourselves has not been beneficial to me. Whilst I am sincerely grateful for you having you in my life until now, it’s time for you to go. You are big enough to find someone else to share your lives with. You don’t need me as much as you think. I’ve changed, and I won’t be as susceptible to your old tricks, which will surely ruin the fun for you.

That said, please don’t forget me. As mentioned, you could be a great catalyst for change. Come by every so often to make sure I’ve not become too complacent with my life.

I’m not afraid to admit that I need you. You can race me to the top, but you won’t stop me getting there.

Protect me, but do not prevent me.

Love,
Eli xxx