Hi. How you doing? You been good?
You remember me. We go way back. I have a lot of different names. Some are a little harsh. And they hurt my feelings. A lot. Might even make me cry.
I don’t like to cry. Those names hurt.
But you don’t call me mean cruel names. That’s why I like you.
We’re friends…you and I. We’re close friends. Pals. Buddies. What did that freckled redhead say? Oh yeah, bosom friends. That’s what we are. Soul mates.
We don’t use nasty names for each other. Friends don’t do that.
You and me are tight. We got each other’s back. It’s a cold lonely world out there. We need each other. You need me. I need…Well, we need each other.
Who else has your best interests in mind? NO ONE!
Sorry. Didn’t mean to shout. It’s just…I’m pretty passionate, you know? You mean a lot to me.
I’m here to protect you. To make sure you’re safe and not in the line of fire. To keep you from unnecessary pain. Shield you from all those haters out there, and there are many. I’m here for you. To protect you.
Did I say that already? Sorry, Yeah, well it’s because I mean it.
It is my job to keep you safe.
Safe and snug in a warm comfortable cocoon of security. Doesn’t that sound good.
You now what I mean. Cozy and comfy. Like being surrounded in a soft, furry blanket. Cradling a cup of hot cocoa while a wintry mix of ice and snow rages outside your frosted window.
Let the storm rage outside. You are content and out of harm’s way.
Don’t move from your comfort zone. I’ve got what you need.
Forget about stepping outside where the unknown and scary exists. You are doing good here.
Stow your dreams away in some obscure nook or cranny and forget about them. Some day many years from now you may uncover them and enjoy thinking about what could have been.
Or even better, those that come after you will discover them and see how great your intentions were.
Box them up and leave them…somewhere. Anywhere. It doesn’t matter.
You don’t want to leave the safe place I have prepared for you, do you? I am here for you, remember? I have your best interests in mind. I want you to be comfy and warm. This is all for you. Only you.
Don’t dream. Don’t move. Don’t try harder. Don’t create. Don’t pursue anything new. Don’t venture out. Don’t…
Don’t write.
For the sake of all that is good, don’t you dare write.
You know how much it hurts. You know it isn’t fun anymore. You know it takes too much time. You know you will never get it right. You know you aren’t a good story teller. You know you aren’t as smart or pithy or clever or articulate or wordy or…do I need to go on?
They will know you are a fraud. They already know! You can’t hide it forever! You can’t hide!
You will be discovered as a fake, an imposter, and an outsider.
For your own good…don’t write. Ever.
Stay afraid. Stay shy. Stay introverted. Become a recluse. Stay silent.
You have nothing to say anyway. Nothing anyone will want to hear. Nothing anyone will want to read.
You’re fooling yourself.
I would call you a fool. But…
We’re friends, remember? We’re pals. We don’t call names. Bosom Friends don’t call each other bad horrible names.
You need me and I…well, we need each other.
This is for your own good. You can ignore me and do your own thing. Venture out. Try it. Go ahead.
You will be back. I know you will.
Because you will fail. Miserably.
And they will laugh at you. They will mock you.
They are relentless, merciless, and full of hate.
I am trying to protect you. Keep you safe. Warm and cozy.
So put down the pencil. Delete the notes.
Go even further and take down the website. Forget your passwords. Wipe clean the hard drives.
Flush it all down the toilet and give it up.
I am your friend. I am here for you.
Don’t forget that.
So we are good, right?
No leaving the comfort zone? No venturing out into the cold cruel world? No more crazy dreams? Right?
No writing.
Quit wasting your time, brain power, energy.
Keep your thoughts to yourself. Keep your opinions secret. Keep your light snuggly under that bushel of comfort and rest.
You will probably just hurt people anyway. Remember that one time? Of course you do. You will never forget it.
And then there was that other time. Do I need to remind you? Of course not.
Well, you probably need to get some rest. You need your rest.
Good night. Sleep tight. And try not to dream tonight.
Your best friend,
Fear