Posts Tagged ‘irrational fears’

Last night I went running to my wife’s startled scream in the shower. Well, at least I started to until I realized by her laughing complaint a few moments later, that she had spotted a yamori (the Japanese word for gecko, pictured above). Living with them has become a normal part of our life since we moved to the island of Miyakojima last October. Though they can tend to startle you a bit when they run across the wall if you aren’t expecting it, I actually enjoy having them around the house because they eat the bugs. My wife however, is scared of them. She knows that they are harmless and likes the idea they eat the bugs, but never the less remains afraid.

Her fear is irrational and the fear itself is worse than the poor little gecko could ever be. She grew up believing that reptiles were creepy and so they have always remained that way. She believes that the the geckos are slimy and wants nothing to do with them. Her fear keeps her from seeing they are actually quite amazing creatures and are not slimy at all.

Too often our fears keep us from learning and discovering new experiences. Our fear is designed to keep us safe (fear of heights, fear of drowning, etc.), but we should never let it control our lives. When you are afraid of something take the time to discover the reasons. The more you understand them the better you can confront them.