If I Knew the World Ended Tomorrow, I Would Plant an Apple Tree Today by Herakut in Berlin.
—
“Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Do not become bitter or hostile. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble. We will find a way to make a way out of no way.” John Lewis 2/21/40 — 7/17/20
The fears listed below can be overcome. Not always, but with time, patience, effort, and a helping hand. Not always, but with hope, courage, resilience, and an awareness of your previous triumphs over adversity.
Here are some of the usual suspects:
A broken heart.
Failure.
Revealing ourselves to ourselves.
Opening up.
Breaking down.
Watching our parents age.
Incapacity.
Fear of abandonment.
Nakedness.
Speaking in public.
Confronting change.
Change in those to whom we are close.
Mortality.
The death of those we love.
Friends who move away.
Fear of being thought of as too sensitive.
Others who take us for granted.
Ingratitude.
The unknown.
The Great Challenge by Nicholas Lavarenne at Antibes on the French Riviera, sourced from James Lucas on Substack
What others say about us.
Not having enough money.
The weight of responsibility.
Those who expect too much.
Being forgotten.
Fear of fascism.
Being remembered for our moments of humiliation.
Those who see through the masks we wear.
Being thought of as fake.
Being alone.
Being with others.
Groups.
As children, the slowness of time.
As adults, the speed of time.
Holding the gaze of another.
Being unseen.
Silence in conversation.
Speechlessness.
Signs (like the other yawning) that you interpret as your fault.
Having others visit your home.
Believing you are a coward.
Making phone calls.
Regret, especially in old age, or when the regretful action can no longer be remedied.
Fear of losing your job.
Triple Play by Fan Ho.
Fear of staying in your job.
Fear of looking for a job.
The criticism of a parent or a boss.
Taking a public position, in speech or writing, in a politically challenging moment.
Fear for the well-being of your children and grandchildren.
Being shamed.
Commitment.
Fear of doing nothing.
Loneliness.
Fear of going to a therapist for the first time.
Fear that we don’t know what or who to believe.
You fear you are not
strong enough to do
the hardest thing
only because you don’t
yet know that doing
the hardest thing
is exactly what will help
you know your strength.
Andrea Gibson 8/13/75 — 7/14/25
If you appreciated Gibson’s poem, try watching them perform “Ode to the Public Panic Attack.”
The daily news gives me many reasons to fear. Taking action can help. John Lewis’s phrase, “Good trouble”, was the inspiration for the July 17th national day of nonviolent action to respond to the attacks posed on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration and to remind them that in America, the power lies with the people. I attended a rally in my home town. There are more virtual and in-person events planned this month.
Psychologists would affirm your statement that action — taking control of some portion of the situation and doing what you can — reduces anxiety. It works in a variety of conditions, in addition to those as essential as John Lewis’s multiyear fight for civil rights and equality for Black people. Thanks for your important reminder of what those who wish to save our Republican Democracy can do, and for the example you provide for all of us.
Nakedness? Easy peasy. Mortality? Now, that’s a horse of a different color.
Yes, mortality is the big fear, for sure. Glad you still have some road to run before you get there, Steven. Good to hear from you and thanks for your comment.
Some thing think about surely, I have a few myself. Thanks for the encouragement to try. Peace.
Thanks, Clay. Yes, there are always areas to explore. We are never finished. All the best.
Dr. Stein…these words…your words…to open this piece really speak to me:
“The fears listed below can be overcome. Not always, but with time, patience, effort, and a helping hand. Not always, but with hope, courage, resilience, and an awareness of your previous triumphs over adversity.”
I think it’s the inclusion of “not always”, followed by a dose of encouragement to try, accept assistance, stay the course. Thank you, thank you. 💕
Your are welcome, Vicki. I suppose what I touched on was both a note of optimism and another of realism. You are a careful reader. No wonder you write so thoughtfully and well. Thank you.
Appreciate you, my friend. ❤️
Vicky, I saw those lines too, and said, “Wow!” to myself, and then read the long, long list. Truly there are enough things in this world to fear, and sometimes a simple acknowledgement of them, a nod to their existence, can help to keep them in perspective: which is, “I do not have all of these things nipping at my heels, at any one time.” Thankfully! As Dr. Stein says, “with hope, courage, resilience, and an awareness of your previous triumphs over adversity.” I would add the element of time to that, for with enough time and perseverance, we can tackle those shadows.
Love your thoughtfulness, Tamara. ❤️
Fear has always been a constant companion of mine. Its manifestations have changed over the years as I entered different stages in life. I have new fears today, for myself and sons. As you so wisely say, an awareness of our previous triumphs over adversity, goes a long way in overcoming our fears. The struggle continues…
None of us are fearless, but the best of us — such people as you — push forward and take on difficult situations despite our anxiety. Thank you, Rosaliene.
My pleasure, as always, Dr. Stein, in reading and learning so much from your posts 🙂
What an empowering post. I love that you included the poem from the recently departed Andrea Gibson. Beautiful, Dr. Stein.
Thanks, Wynne. Yes to Gibson, and the birthday anniversary of John Lewis was also recent. In the absence of those great people, we are left to follow the examples the set for us.
Thank you for sharing this, Dr. Stein.
You are welcome. All the best!.
I love this : You’ll find a way to make a way out of no way”
I just stumbled upon your post, and maybe it was this sentence that made me get out of bed to read and jot down impressive lines..
Good night!
Thanks for the good night wishes, Quỳnh Trần. All the best to you.
I love this : ‘ we’ll find a way to make a way out of no way’
i just stumbled upon your post, maybe it was this sentence that made me get out of bed and jot down impressive lines..
what I took notes :
The things we fear, the things we overcome
if i knew the world ended tomorrow, i would plant an apple tree today
Don’t get lost in a sea of despair : Đừng để mình chìm vào biển tuyệt vọng
don’t become bitter and hostile : Đừng trở nên oán giận hay thù địch
never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble :
đừng bao giờ sợ gây tiếng vang và dấn thân vào những “rắc rối” tốt, những “ rắc rối” cần thiết để thay đổi
We will find a way to make a way out of no way : Ta sẽ tìm cách để tạo ra con đường ngay cả khi không có con đường nào
Not always, but with time, patience, effort, and a helping hand : Không phải nhất định, nhưng với thời gian, sự kiên nhẫn, nỗ lực và một tay giúp đỡ
Not always, but with hope, courage, resilience, and an awareness of your previous triumphs over adversity : Không phải nhất định, nhưng với hy vọng, dũng khí, sự kiên cường và sự nhận thức của bạn về những chiến thắng trước đây khi vượt qua nghịch cảnh.
I think I’ll continue jotting down about the names of fears..
I am glad you found this useful, Quỳnh Trần. Thanks, too, for your thoughtful comment. Be well.