Fear: The Inner Robber, Speech Example

Famed poet, speaker and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson, once said, “Always do what you are afraid to do”(Emerson). I tend to think that in saying this, Emerson was implying that doing the things that terrify us the most in life are often the most rewarding. In other words, to live in fear is to rob oneself of life.

Like anyone, I am afraid of doing a few things in life, bungee jumping, walking on hot coals, etc.  But as a small child, I was terrified of roller coasters – the colossal iron serpent certain to swallow me and keep me prisoner in its cold, coiling grasp.

I remember the day I stood up to my fears. All of my friends loved roller coasters and I didn’t want to be left out anymore. Standing in front of the biggest roller coaster in the park, I drew myself to my full 4’5” and marched bravely into line.

That’s when I really started to get scared.  The closer I got, the bigger and more menacing the ride looked.  I inched closer, scuffing every step, as the next group was admitted to their cars. Palms sweating and powdery-dry eyes bulging, I took my seat in the little train that would guide me through that metal jungle of catastrophe.

“CLACK!” went the safety bar as the ride attendant fastened me in, smiling a toothless grin and cackling like raw-throated demon. There was no turning back now.

The cars swooshed off at what seemed like the speed of light as we made our way to the first swell. Then the plummet. I closed my eyes and clutched my stomach in preparation. Then, to my utter surprise, I found that I was not scared at all. I was thrilled! The adrenaline pumping through my veins making me feel more alive than I ever had in my 9 years.  As the ride slowed to a stop, I trotted right back into line to ride it again. I was now a roller coaster enthusiast, a sentiment that would follow me through life.

Had I not faced my fears that day, I may have never known the true delight and adventure of a roller coaster ride.

This is, of course, a very minor example of facing fears.  But like my childhood self, we all have fears we do not want to face.  I encourage you all to ball-up your fists, take a deep breath, and do what you are most afraid to do.  I guarantee it will turn out to be one of the best experiences of your life.

Works Cited

Emerson, Ralph Waldo. ThinkExist. ThinkExist. N.d. Web. 7 May 2010.