Gotta Get Out of the Boat, Face My Fears

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A debilitating fear has set in. I’ve talked about this 30-day trip to Paris now for over a year. I’ve saved the money. Now that it’s time to book my airline ticket, fear is literally shutting me down.

Just got back from church. While having coffee in the parlor, a friend shared the subject of her Sunday School lesson, one she found particularly applicable to her situation in life. “If you’re going to walk on water as Jesus did, then you need to get out of the boat.” Never in a million years will she realize what an impact that one little statement made on me.

I need to get out of the boat. I need to face my fears, head on. One by one. I need to get this show on the road.

My sister plus two friends have all bought their tickets. I, the one who generated this trip, CANNOT for the life of me hit the BUY button.

My sweet Frank.

What happens if my mother or one of my children needs me? I’m worried sick about my work, my clients. Who’s going to keep my aging dog . . . the list goes on.

I’m throwing up every possible reason not to go through with my plans. It would be so much easier to stay home.

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{ Ok. Breathe, Lisa }

An old friend taught me a trick. When you’re paralyzed with fear, get out your index cards. Write one problem per card. Turn over one card per day, solve it, then turn over the next. NEVER, NEVER look at them all at one time.


 

Here’s my list:

  1. Which flights do I take?
  2. Finding a place.
  3. What if a family member needs me while I’m away?
  4. How will I handle my work, my clients?
  5. What if I have a medical issue while away?
  6. Who will take care of Frank, my dog?
  7. A laptop. A bigger monitor for these ol’ eyes.
  8. My cell phone? Ugh! I hate even thinking about this one.
  9. Mail, bills . . .
  10. What about my house while I’m gone?
  11. WiFi, cords, converters – I need to figure out all the technical junk.
  12. Will I have time to get my email list together, get Pinterest set up, and all the other stuff that goes along with chronicling a trip.
  13. Why in the hell am I spending this money?
  14. There are a million other things I’ve worried about, but I’m too embarrassed to list them.

Enough for today. I’ll tackle #1 tomorrow. Tomorrow I’ll get out of the boat.

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Today starts the 60-day countdown to my month-long walk across Paris. I’d love to have you follow along. Many of you are seasoned travelers – please leave suggestions below. I welcome your help! 

7 Comments
  • Georganne
    Posted at 23:17h, 01 July

    Lisa,
    Cell phone is easy. You go to your carrier and get an international card – it should work with the phone that you have now… no changing numbers.. just plans for a little while. I have a friend who goes with school to Spain each year. This is how she stays in touch. I will get the particulars for you! You are going to have a blast! I almost even bought a ticket because you inspire me so and make me want to go! All of these fears are understandable. Remember, your children have another parent. He could probably take care of Frank, too! If it is a major emergency for kids or your mom, planes fly back this way, too.
    You are spending this money because YOU ARE WORTH IT & LIVING A DREAM TO SHOW THE REST OF US THAT WE CAN!!!!
    SOOOOO, start packing because we can’t wait to read about every little step! And the next time that you go, I AM GOING WITH YOU!!!
    ps… do take your insurance card. I thought I was going to have to take my friend to a hospital on the last trip and “bon jour” is the only French that I speak!!!
    and lastly… do your planning and then worry about the “worries” when they actually happen. When you get there…go to the top of the tower and look out at all that awaits you as you walk PARIS for 30 days!!!!!
    You rock, girl!!!!

  • lisaweldon
    Posted at 23:58h, 01 July

    Yes, ma’am, we are going on the next one together. To Italy!
    Would love the info on the cell phone card. Am PANICKED about that. Someone told me you had to have a phone with a removable card. Mine doesn’t have that, I don’t think.

  • Michele Stapleton
    Posted at 01:43h, 02 July

    I got the cords and converters under control. Cross that one off the list and BUY THE DAMN TICKET. I’d hate to have to eat all those chocolate croissants by myself.

    • Barbara
      Posted at 23:58h, 26 August

      Throw me in that briar patch!!!

  • lisaweldon
    Posted at 03:26h, 02 July

    You will get fat if you do.

  • Shannon Colee
    Posted at 00:07h, 03 July

    My dear friend Lisa:
    You got out of the boat last year! It’s been over a year and just think about how many walking shoes you have been through to get here? The first pair was the hardest to put on…Just think where all they have taken you and what you have seen and done since then. You have also taught your kids to be comfortable in their “New Shoes” so it is time to celebrate and do a “Can-Can” with this summer’s shoes, throw in a great glass of red wine or many, fresh bagets, and sumptuous cheese and don’t wait til you get to Paris, you can get in the Paris State of Mind before…and you will find yourself “Jumping Out of the Boat” And we want to see the picture! Shannon

  • lisaweldon
    Posted at 00:20h, 03 July

    Shannon, I miss you!