Everyone is scared of something. Being afraid, as it turns out is not limited to babies and children. Adults too can have legitimate fears just like children, only their fears don’t usually involve a monster under their bed or in their closet. I can name so many things that I still fear regardless of my age and that I’m technically an adult in the eyes of our society. I’m now old enough to work, drive, vote, go to war, and even be tried as an adult in a court of law, but no matter how old I am I will still be afraid of something. These are my top ten biggest fears at this time in my life and at this time in our society:

1. I’m afraid of myself. Oddly enough I am terrified of making the wrong decisions and having to rely on myself for food, to do laundry, keep up with assignments.
2. I’m afraid being alone. This is a fear that I’m sure many people have. To be alone with one’s thoughts for too long can be dangerous- especially for me.
3. I’m afraid of my loved ones dying. I’ve experienced a painful loss before and I don’t want to go through anything even remotely close to it again. Losing someone you love can take a toll on your mental, emotional, and even physical state.
4. I’m afraid and even fearful of rejection whether family, friends or potential love interests. I fear that I won’t be accepted which I think everyone fears at least once in their lives.
5. I’m afraid of not being good enough, similar to fearing rejection. But I worry I won’t live up to my potential and I’ll disappoint myself.

This is where my personal fears have taken a political turn but in a sense, they are still very personal fears:

1. I’m afraid of the division of our country. Everyone is so hostile and full of anger and passion whether Democrat or Republican. Anytime politics comes up now I instantly fear the tension.
2. I’m afraid about our current relations with other countries and how they might possibly change during the next four years. Our U.S. relationships seem very fragile at this time. Keeping the peace keeps us safe, in other words, let’s not poke a bear.
3. I’m afraid for our environment and the animals becoming extinct, global warming isn’t a hoax and it’s scary that some would rather live in ignorant bliss than be aware of the changes happening to our environment.
4. I’m afraid of losing our rights. With so many Constitutional rights in danger of being overturned, I’m worried about the possible dangers and repercussions.
5. And lastly, I’m just afraid for our country during the 2016-2020 presidency. I’m afraid for women, people of color, Muslims, LGBTQ+, and immigrants. I’m afraid for us all.

My personal fears are now so intertwined with the direction our country is taking or should I say has taken. There is no escape from any political action or belief. Everything is fragile during this time, it’s hard not to feel vulnerability and fear. I was surprised by how my political fears wove into my life and became very personal ones.

Fears come in all shapes and sizes. There are many things to fear, but don’t let those fears take over and prevent you from standing up for people’s rights and doing the right thing. Don’t let your fears keep you from getting to know someone regardless of religion, race, sex, age, disability, gender or sexual identity/orientation. Now is not the time to be afraid. Acknowledge your fears and face them.