Let’s dive into the wild world of one person’s imagination, where the big question is, “Do monsters secretly hide beneath the bed?” Author Lori Ann Berggren, in her thought-provoking book “Every Day I Wonder What I Will Wonder Next” briefed on this fearless adventure and answered this spine-tingling question, “Yes!” Picture it: a green, big-headed, monstrous fiend with a mouth that could swallow you whole. Even at the lively age of fifty-six, Lori still keeps a nightlight glowing and uses a broom or shoe for that all-important under-the-bed monster sweep. And don’t even get them started on the horrors that lurk inside closets; it’s a whole other can of worms.
But where do these childhood fears come from? Well, it’s a tale as old as time. Back in the day, when life was rough and primitive, our ancestors had to contend with wild animals creeping under their beds for warmth and shelter. Thus, the tradition of the bedtime monster check was born. For Lori, ghost stories by the campfire and terrifying movie nights fueled their irrational bedtime paranoia.
We’ve all got our fears, some of which are as logical as a chocolate teapot. They can weigh us down, make us twitchy, and turn us into quivering puddles of jelly. Fear is like that uninvited guest at a party who insists on bringing down the mood. So, what’s the solution? Lori says, “Tuck those fears under the bed and hope they stay put!” There’s no need to confront them head-on, right?
But here’s the real scoop on facing those frights: a wise therapist once suggested giving fear a good pair of legs. Let it run free, mingle with your experiences, and maybe even join you for coffee. You’d think that advice would be a piece of cake, but let’s face it: it’s easier said than done.
Lori’s battle with fear hit rock bottom during a short-lived business venture when marketing became a nail-biting ordeal. She was petrified of being laughed at or rejected that she’d rather stay in the car. And if we’re honest, we’ve all been there at some point, right? We’re unsure, lacking a plan, and running on a shaky sense of self. But deep down, we have to move past our fears.
Fear, as it turns out, is just a word. So are joy, hate, persistence, confidence, disgust, and love. The emotional baggage we attach to them gives these words their enthusiasm. Think about it: as kids, we don’t understand the distinctions of these feelings, and nobody bothers to explain the difference between hating a vegetable and hating your ex. It’s all the same “hate” in the dictionary and can be pretty confusing.
Believing in oneself is a skill we rarely teach in school, but Lori argues it should be in every curriculum. That’s right, along with math and history, we should all get a crash course in self-confidence. Without it, life can suck us in like a vacuum cleaner, making it hard to chase our dreams and slay our fears.
Lori had to learn the ropes the hard way—through journaling, soul-searching, and taking inspiration from the folks she admired. One baby step at a time, it started to make sense, and find her inner strength. It was a rollercoaster ride, but the destination was worth it.
Goals and dreams are good, but what’s a roadmap without the instructions? Lori delved into the journey of self-belief and confronted her fears head-on, much like that monster beneath the bed. And guess what? Fear transformed into passion, and she strutted forth with newfound confidence.
Once you genuinely believe in yourself, fear becomes as feeble as a deflated balloon. You’ll embark on your life’s journey with a heart full of courage, unburdened by irrational fears. No more checking under the bed; those monsters will be a distant memory, and you’ll tackle life’s challenges with a hearty laugh and a twinkle in your eye.
