A few weeks ago I was home for a dinner break and found myself watching Oprah. Her guest was Gavin de Becker, author of the book, The Gift of Fear. By the end of the show, I had already ordered the audio book for me and the print copy for my daughter. The next Sunday my daughter had lunch with me and I told her about the show and the book. It's basically about recognizing danger signs, listening to your body, and realizing when someone is dangerous before becoming their next victim. It is NOT about living in fear; it is about listening to the gift called fear that is built into each of us (human and animal) that is there to save us from danger.
The book finally arrived, and when my daughter stopped by tonight to pick up her copy, she told me this story. Last night, she and a friend went to the movies. She said they were the first ones in the theatre and, by the time the movie started, they were still the only two there. About five minutes into the movie she said she started feeling "weird." She couldn't keep her eyes off the door and her heart was racing (for no apparent reason). She tried to discount the feelings, but they just wouldn't go away. It was then that she thought of our conversation from the prior Sunday about the book that had made such an impression on me. After another moment, she decided to lean over to her friend, Jennifer, and say, "I'm feeling weird. Would you mind praying with me?" When she leaned over to her friend, she said, "I'm feeling weird." And Jenn immediately said, "Me too. There's something wrong here." My daughter immediately said, "I don't care about the $8.50 (for the ticket)....let's go." And they did. By the time that they got back to the apartment and talked it out, they realized that they both--independently--were feeling the same thing.
What could have happened? I don't know, and am glad that we didn't find out. I'll just accept it for what it is--a gift.
I am so happy that I saw that show. I am happy that I ordered the book and even happier that I told my daughter all about it before she could even pick up her copy! I highly recommend this book, especially for young women. Get the audiobook, get the print copy; go to a used bookstore or the library, but get the book--and never second guess that instinct--that inner voice--again. Here is a URL if you want to get official info: http://www.enotalone.com/article/4555.html
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1 comment:
In and of itself Fear is a rational response to perceived situations. These situations need not be consciously recognized at the time in order to cause damage if not resolved. The problem comes when the body tells us through fear that a problem is eminent and we fail to act.
I hope you and your daughter can safely ponder this and many other wonders for a long time to come!
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