I Am Afraid of Heights

I have a fear of heights. Some people would describe it as a phobia. As a matter of fact, fear of heights is one of the most common phobias. I propose to you that a fear of heights is not a phobia, it is common sense! Let's clarify that my fear is not really of being up high. I can fly and be in tall buildings. I have no problem with being in the space needle in Seattle... It would be more accurate that I have a fear of falling or someone in my proximity falling. But this is not really a fear is it? If I told you that I had a fear of hand grenades or land mines you would probably see that as normal and reasonable. If you think about it... the thing you hit on the way down from a fall (usually the ground).. is probably the biggest hand grenade of all. So I guess I really have a fear of colliding with something on the way down from a fall. Since this is normally the ground I guess I really have a fear of the ground...especially at high speeds... That sounds better :-)

My fear does not paralyze me. I do fly and have piloted a plane a couple times. I have taken off but never landed a plane. I have also went skydiving before (that is the subject of a different blog...suffice it to say that it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life). How can I jump out of a perfectly good plane at 10,000 feet, yet standing near the edge of my roof is terrifying??? I don't know... what are your thoughts?

My other so called "fear" is spiders... I argue that this not actually some irrational fear...  but others disagree. I am not afraid of spiders!.. I have a healthy hatred for evil, and spiders are the spawn of satan himself. If you look up "evil" in the dictionary, there should be a picture of a spider! On the outside it would appear that I am afraid of them. Others have experienced my high pitched screams and fleeing of the area with my arms waving.... as fear. This reaction is actually a manly battle-cry. A brave announcement to anyone within the area (about a mile or so) that evil has entered the area and that thier lives are in danger. Quite heroic if you ask me! I am also at that time looking for a suitable weapon to slay the evil beast with... for example a flame thrower or rocket propelled grenade. I usually have to settle for a broom or magazine though... since my wife will not let me keep those other items in the house.

Happy Stitching!!!