RE: [Paddlewise] Fw: Dealing with fear

> Jolie Smilowicz wrote:
> snip
> > I can feel my heart race increase
> > when someone says "wet exit."  

She further explains that this fear has nothing to do with actual danger: It
is irrational. Jolie works on her roll to get over this fear.

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Dear Jolie,

Of course, a 100% bombproof roll might help to make sure you never have to
perform a wet exit, but since the fear is irrational, the roll might not
help completely. A not-bombproof roll might not help at all.

I think you have to face the fear head-on, instead of finding ways around.
Like someone afraid to cross bridges and takes a ferry instead, you won't
have to face your fear, but you have to take a big detour sometimes to get
out of the way.

Try to face the wet exit in small steps. Since the word "wet exit" is enough
to scare you, read the following list out loud, and repeat every line until
it doesn't fear you anymore:

DRY EXIT
GETTING WET ON A HOT DAY
WET ENTRY
WET SOCKS
DAMP EXIT
WET ROCKS
RAINY EXIT
WET SLEEPING BAG
WET MATCHES
COLD EXIT
WET POLYPRO
WET EXIT

Now that you're used to the word, it's time to start with the actual water.
After trying to drink it, shower in it and looking at it you might actually
get in to swim and dive in it. You might try to close your eyes and picture
the concepts above. If the wet sleeping bag keeps scaring you: Don't worry,
I have the same problem.

Okay, the part about the words is not serious, but I am serious about
attacking the fear head-on, not avoiding it the rest of your life. I am just
as serious about taking it in small steps. In my previous mail I give a
suggestion about these small steps.

Be easy on yourself. Be nice to the child inside: It is this child that is
afraid. Take it by the hand, talk to it, help it. Do not push it or hurt it.
(That's what my therapist keeps telling me... I may not be afraid of water,
but I have my own fears that I will not discuss here.)

Good luck,

Niels.
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