Brought to you by the letter “F” and the scary monsters under my bed…

I once made an "Encyclopedia of Fear" in which I listed everything I was afraid of, in alphabetical order, with drawings and an index. Great project for kids, right? I actually stole the idea from one of my nieces’ school projects — when I was 30.

In honor of my upcoming trip to NYC (fear of flying is the one I promised myself I would overcome this year), the “F” page from my Fear Encyclopedia:

Failure. Everyone will find out I’m not really as smart/talented/amusing as they think I am and that I’ve been faking it all this time.

Father. He taught me everything I ever need to know about being afraid before I was 10 (see also “Rage-a-holics”)

Feelings. Many past and current self-destructive habits are the direct result of trying to create a barrier between me and my own emotions. (see also “Weakness”)

Flying. I flew occasionally despite my fear for a long time. I was scheduled to fly to NYC on September 13, 2001. My flight was canceled. And that was that. (see also “Planes”)

Food. If I could take a pill three times a day and never have to think about calories, carbs, or chocolate again, I’d do it. (see also “Love/Hate Relationships")

Fragments. I used to date a writer who thought he was Hemingway reincarnated. Maybe he was, but he followed the pattern so authentically that no-one will ever know. (see also “Sentence Fragments”)

Frogs. I won’t leave the house if one is on the sidewalk. I don’t swim in pools at night unless someone has done a frog check first. However, I am not afraid of snakes. (see also "Ranidaphobia")