fear of "what if" ...

I feel like I am stuck in a funny place right now. I know I am not entirely recovered from my injury, but I know that I am light years ahead of where I was a few weeks ago. I want to do more. But, I don't want to do too much. I want to get off the treadmill and run with my friends. But, I don't want to face the realities that doing that could bring. I want to jump in, feet first. But, I don't want to get too invested.

I am living with the fear of "what if."

What if I try and fail?
What if I try and actually succeed?
What if I'm too far behind?
What if it's more than I can handle?
What if I set myself back?
What if it happens again?
What if my fear is the only thing holding me back?
What if?
What if?
What if?

Having fear of "what if" is a dangerous. But, almost all of us are afflicted. Just think about it.

Why haven't you purged your closet? What if I need it later ...
Why haven't you changed your eating habits? What if I can't live without xyz ...
Why haven't you tried to reach your dreams? What if I don't make it ...
Why haven't you pushed yourself past comfortable? What if it hurts (emotionally, physically, etc) ...

Sure, all of those things are possible. That's the thing about "what if", it breeds self-doubt. But, consider this, what if everything turned out perfectly? What if the thing you thought you could never handle allows you to shine?

"What if" can be full of potential. You just have to let it be ...