No Fear Here!

"I have decided to kick my bad habit of using F-words."  

Now there's an eye-catching blog entry!

No, it's not what you think!  The link you'll see is to Susan Panning's blog. I appreciate her friendship.  I am also envy of her talents in graphic design!  Taking risks is what I always assumed was innate in her being as an artist.    I was rather surprised to read her confession of "fear" and "failure".   

I guess we are all human . . .   As I read Susan's blog, her message was not just for her clients or her profession. It's something that we all can relate to.

"Have you ever really listened to yourself? 

I catch myself saying things like “I’m afraid if we try this, 

it may not work and we will have wasted our time,” or 

“Let’s make sure it’s the perfect time to launch this, 

that way our risk is low.” 

Regardless of whether we are a person who happens to have a disability, family member/care provider, teacher, direct service provider, volunteer, staff, or even a graphic artist, we can relate to statements like "it might not work", "it's not the right time" or "it's just too risky."  As advocates, we know it's scary to do the things we need to do to be heard.  And sometimes we just feel that no one will listen.  

Now more than ever is the right time to to let go of those words fear and failure.  Budgets continue to be cut.  Services for children, youth and adults with disabilities are at risk everyday.  Each one of us has a responsibility to take a risk. Will this be your year to call your legislators to encourage lessening the cuts in departments/programs who support individuals who have disabilities?  Don't let the fear of failure stop you!

"It’s not easy wrapping your brain around the idea of 

embracing failure. It actually sounds ridiculous. 

Yet, if you think about anything of significance that has been 

introduced into the world, it didn’t happen overnight. 

It wasn’t a one-time shot, launched at the perfect time when the 

risks were moderately low. It happened because someone

believed that it could; their failures had transcended 

into their greatest teachers. 

 
The right time is now, so let’s get busy."

To read Susan's complete entry, go to:
http://www.lime-creative.com/limelight/files/463f17e9cf9cb7576ef24dbf91e645ae-20.html