What are you doing to work on fear?

greenspun.com : LUSENET : TimeBomb 2000 (Y2000) : One Thread

If each of us is regularly addressing our fears related to Y2K we will be better able to make contact with people who either haven't heard or are still in denial.

What are you doing for yourself for your normal and logical fears of our futures in Y2K?

-- Donna Barthuley (moment@pacbell.net), November 19, 1998

Answers

I try to stay very busy getting prepared. I find that this way I don't have time to get scared. There's too much to do to let fear slow you down. I suspect this is a male strategy that is more difficult for females, but it works for me.

-- cody varian (cody@y2ksurvive.com), November 19, 1998.

# # # 19981119

Donna,

I have been trying to scare the ever-living Y2K-Fear and motivation for preparedness mode, into as many folks as I am able at my FREE Year 2000 Citizen Action Group ( Y2KCAG ) public forums in my "community." ( In my spare time, without any commercial motive$! )

I've been doing what I am able since February, 1998 to publicly educate and collaborate with as many folks that have got 2 brain cells to rub together!

Knowing that fellow citizens might pick up a Y2K-preparedness gauntlet would/could reduce the justified anxieties I have about remaining in a ( 50 miles by 50 miles = 2500 sq. mi. ) region that is residence to a ~4,000,000, non-agrarian, welfare-peppered population of city/suburb-slickers without a Y2K-clue.

If that doesn't put fear into the loins of every ( heretofore ) peacible, peace-loving human being, than I don't know what ever could!

My fear will be found in others. Those not willing to listen or exercise critical thinking, before the public cognition to the imminent Year 2000 Techno-Ambush!

Addressing my Y2K-fears takes the forms of acting rationally, based on 33+ years of IT experience ( the last 2 years on 4 different Y2K projects, identifying and "fixing" REAL Y2K-DEFECTS ), the best information available, and -- Yes, Donna -- pounding a lot of sand out of the denialheads of my Township public officials.

( BTW, these officials still think that Y2K "is their { someone else's } problem!" [ That is a direct quote-snippet from a public meeting last week where I raised a Y2K issue! ] How's _that for scary stuff? )

I will continue to act in the most rational, self-preserving ( including my family FIRST ) for as long as I am able.

Regards, Bob Mangus # # #

-- Robert Mangus (rmangus@mail.netquest.com), November 19, 1998.


When most folks think you are nuts, just knowing that there are an increasing number of like-minded people is of some help in reducing anxiety. Some folks have said that work (being busy) can cure many ills, including fear. Preparation reduces fear....I was positively manic until the food and water stufff arrived. If it's true that fear is born of uncertainty, then there isn't any shortage of it as far as Y2K is concerned.

-- Robert Michaels (sonofdust@net.com), November 19, 1998.

Since I don't have the money to prepare at the moment, I'm trying to prepare my spirit. I'm delighting in each day. Sniffing flowers. Being incredibly grateful for the gifts and adventures I've received in my lifetime. I relish the occassional latte.

When the fear tries to get a grip, I breathe deeply, and know that whatever way this all turns out, I will be fine. Either walking this earth or on the other side.

I've put my life on hold trying to get a grip on understanding the ramifications of Y2K. Time to focus on getting a job, preferably paid, where I can make a Y2K difference.

Meanwhile, I'll come here for computer community, write e-mails, and try with all my heart to follow the synchronicites and my intuition. It may end up being the only skill that works post Y2K. Or not. We'll see.

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), November 19, 1998.


Hi Donna,

As a conservative Christian, I recognize fear as just another temptation. When that happens I have to remind myself that God only expects me to do what He's given me the resources to accomplish, and He'll take care of the rest.

Arlin Adams

A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand, But it shall not come near you, Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked. -Psalm 91:7-8

-- Arlin H. Adams (ahadams@ix.netcom.com), November 19, 1998.



Good question, Donna.

Good response, Arlin. Yes, fear is a normal and logical response. I fear the unknown......the known I can prepare for.

I'm not afraid of the early effects of Y2K. I do fear those things that I might not have thought of......have I enough food, water, etc. Will it be worse than I've been able to prepare for? Those fears are actually doubts. I've been able to dispel them in three ways:

First (and foremost) -- Recognize that God is in control of this situation. If I'm willing to be led, He'll show me the path. Once I'm on that path I'm sheltered.

Second -- Prepare for everything I can reasonably expect, including need of food, water, shelter, medical supplies, etc, etc.

Third -- Having prepared, spiritually and physically, I'm able to reach out to help others in my church and community and to urge them to prepare.

I can see that preparation will be a never ending affair, right up until the rollover. No, I'm not finished with my own preps.......I'll still be running to the store on 12/31/1999 if the panic hasn't closed them down. But, I'm getting to the point where I'm fairly well isolated from the storms out there. I am not sitting, waiting on storage food to arrive anymore, or for the generator to show up on my doorstep. I've scrounged, schemed, and planned. Now enough is on hand, and I can see my way to the end of the tunnel.

In the words of Bill Gaither, "Because He lives, all fear is gone."

-- rocky (rknolls@hotmail.com), November 20, 1998.


"Perfect love casts out fear."

-- Kevin (mixesmusic@worldnet.att.net), November 20, 1998.

Diane: While you're sniffing the flowers, someone is buying your rice and beans.

-- bardou (bardou@baloney.com), November 20, 1998.

What am I doing to work on my fear?

Humm... well I started off going slowly insane but that wasn't at all productive and my son kept looking at me funny. Needless to say, my wife didn't appreciate this path either. In the end I decided to cope with it and roll with the future what ever it may be.

At this point in time there are no major disruptions. The sun rises every day and sets every night just as it will come 01/01/00 (although there are alternate theories as to if this is correct). Kick off your shoes and feel the cool grass between your toes. That is a great way to relieve stress. Spend some time just living your life and don't get caught up in the unknown as it can consume you. But, be ready for the rollercoaster because it has major turns that will flip you, bend you and turn you upside down.

When you think about the future consider this. Our ancestors lived without much of what we consider to be necessary. It may take some pain and perhaps a generation before we get it together but life will go on. There is hope beyond the chaos and I will be there to teach my son what is truly important in life. My son raises my fears and calms them all in with one smile. He's 2 1/2 and I will not fail him. I simply don't have the time or the opportunity to be fearful anymore. I'm too concerned about survival.

Mike ======================================================

-- Michael Taylor (mtdesign3@aol.com), November 20, 1998.


THANK YOU MIKE!! Only, here, we kick off our shoes and run our toes through the snow. NOT the same effect, I'm SURE!!!

Chuck re-inventorying the shelves to prove I've gotten something accomplished!!

-- Chuck a Night Driver (rienzoo@en.com), November 20, 1998.



I do not have any fear (Oh Pollyanna oh don't you cry for me.....). I just take things as they come.

-- Richard Dale (rdale@figroup.co.uk), November 20, 1998.

one word: valium

-- ed (edrider007@aol.com), November 20, 1998.

Well, between my choices of flight or fight, I usually choose fight.

I just sent some flaming e-mails to three idiots who represent my state in Washington D.C. I don't know if it will do any good but I sure feel alot better.

-- Anna McKay Ginn (annaginn@aol.com), November 20, 1998.


The first couple of months when I realized the implications of Y2K, I was a nutcase; obsessively read everything I could find about it, sleepless nights, my hair was falling out and I lost weight. My greatest fear was that my husband would never "get it". Now that he's in the bandwagon to prepare with me, although he still doesn't really get it, I'm busy making preparations and have returned to my normal routine and relaxed. I've simply changed my priorities, and every decision is made with Y2K in mind. But, I'm sort of in a paradoxical denial state. As long as I don't hear Y2K reports in the news media outside the net, it's like this is happening in another dimension. Everything in "real life" around me is as normal as can be, so it's difficult for me to feel fear. A healthy dose of fear is motivating to action.

-- Chris (Catsy@pond.com), November 20, 1998.

I read another book.

I've researched square foot gardening, canning, drying, building root cellars, raising chickens, building and using solar ovens, soap making, fishing, composting, selecting and training dogs, first aid, nutrition, water purification, solar pumping, playing euchre, sour dough starters, dutch oven cooking, and raising goats.

There is an unlimited number of things to learn.

Maybe I can make a difference...

jo

P.S. Did you know that you can't leave a bucket in with chickens because they will all jump in and suffocate the guys in the bottom?

-- jo (gotheblues@freewwweb.com), November 20, 1998.



The more prepared you are, the less you'll have to fear.

Everyone has a comfort zone, and on most Americans it's not very big. Try expanding yours. For instance, spend a 24 hour period without using any electricity, then a whole weekend. That will help you identify any gaps in your preparations and where you'll be likely to have problems.

Finally, take a mental break from Y2K stuff, even if it's just for a day or so. You'll feel better when you come back to it.

-- Melinda Gierisch (gieriscm@hotmail.com), November 20, 1998.


I'm through the worst of the fear stage. It sort of manifested itself by always thinking about it, imagining the worst, talking to people about it who really didn't want to hear about it, and just sort of a general inability to actually do anything.

Now I manage to think about other things, have some fun, imagine the world after without necessarily seeing only the worst case scenario, and I'm actually enjoying active preparations.

Yesterday I received a box at work. I took it my office, and an aware, unpreparing co-worker was there hanging out. I said "Hey, let me show you something really cool. This is my "absolute worst case scenario" box. This is the box that I hope I'm never forced to open up."

Then I showed him the packets of non-hybrid seeds that I ordered from the Ark Institute, and the books that came along with them. We talked about the difference between hybrid and non-hybrid, and the fact that treated properly the seeds will store for several years, and grow enough food to feed a whole bunch of people forever.

My biggest remaining fear is for all those folks who are somewhat aware and will do nothing, and all those folks who will never really get it, even in the thick of it...

-- pshannon (pshannon@inch.com), November 20, 1998.


Michael Taylor wrote:

<< Kick off your shoes and feel the cool grass between your toes. >>

I tried this. It's 25 degrees F outside. My feet stuck to the sod; lost the skin from both trying to get them off. There's a doctor bill and a call from my attorney on the way to you Mr. Taylor.

-- Franklin Journier (ready4y2k@yahoo.com), November 20, 1998.


Donna:

Excellent question. While fear may be useful to get people's attention to act in preparation for Y2K, it quickly becomes the enemy. Try reading Matthew 6:25-34. It brings me back into perspective every time.

David.

-- David (David@BankPacman.com), November 20, 1998.


When I am feeling panicky about what I haven't done yet - I get in a hot tub and soak with a book (Y2k preps or a novel) for an hour. Of course I am getting pretty wrinkled from all the hot water lately.

-- Laurane (familyties@rttinc.com), November 20, 1998.

Well, the very practical suggestion of making preparations has been mentioned numerous times but cannot be overstated. Of course, it seems that many who are making preparations still suffer from the fear of "Am I doing enough to prepare?"

'Normal' fear is built in to us as a self defense mechanism. It is there to protect us and cause us to take aversive action to the threat at hand. When a grizzly bear is chasing you through the woods, fear increases your adrenalin and assists you in climbing a tree rather quickly. 'Normal' fear is actually good for us, for it enables us to live out our lives in this dimension as long as we have been predestined to live in this dimension.

It seems though, that many are suffering far beyond the realm of a helpful fear and have dropped into the irrational fear zone. This kind of fear is debilitating and very harmful. The fact is, 90% of what we worry about never happens, and as far as the other 10% goes, all you can do is prepare to mitigate the circumstances. Our society is awash with irrational fear and the only ones who benefit are the companies that make tranquilizers etc.

Now, I am not interested in starting a "holy war" here, but I will state my observations.

There are two groups of people that live more peaceful lives and suffer less fear. The first are those that firmly believe that they are basically tissue and when they die, they enter a state of nothingness. This is a very small group, and they may lack a sense of purpose, but overall their fear factor is low. The second group consists of those that a firm belief that absolutely everything that happens to themselves and others has a purpose, and the creator allows all things to work together to bring about the final picture of peace and fulfillment to all creation. In other words, death is the way in which we are released from this physical realm and into a perfect spiritual realm of salvation and love for all.

Now, the vast middle ground is where most people sit and is unfortunately uncomfortable. Most fear, when broken down to its' root cause, is the fear of death. Nobody actually fears a nuclear bomb, they fear that it will take their lives. Nobody really fears a spider or a snake. They fear what may happen to them if they encounter these creatures. Unfortunately for many, their religion or beliefs actually increase their fear factor. No matter how long and hard they are taught that "perfect love casts out fear" etc., the fear is still there. No matter how much "faith" they have or think they should have, fear rules in the end. 70% of all people in mental institutions in the USA are classed as "very religious" or "born again".

The real heart of the matter is that no matter how "good" they have been taught the creator is, their own hearts and minds do not truly believe it. Virtually all religions teach that only a handful, or portion of mankind will end up in peace, whilst the rest suffer intensely. Deep inside the human spirit however, a small voice cries out about the sick and perverted situation of the universe. The futility of a universe where evil has truly prevailed haunts them. Oh sure, there are moments of peace because they believe that they will make it, but in the pit of the stomach lives the hopelessness of the big picture, the inner belief that death and evil have prevailed. (How else can a soul honestly look at it if the brain believes that many people will suffer intensely forever!).

Don't believe me........spend time in your local churches........visit those unfortunate people in the psych ward of your local hospital...........look deep inside yourself and ask what you really fear.

If your deep conviction is that the final picture of the universe is one of love, peace and joy for all creation, you will have more peace. You will also have a measure of peace if you truly believe there is nothingness, however lack of fear does not translate into hope and joy if you sit in this category.

In the chasm in the middle............best of luck to you!



-- Craig (craig@ccinet.ab.ca), November 20, 1998.


1) Well, first of all, try not to panic. Panic induces fear (or is it the other way around?).

2) I'm preparing (although, not to the extent of many on this chat group). I also tell myself that while I think the excrement COULD hit the fan, I don't know that, and neither does anyone else. Prudence in all venues is called for - at least for now.

3) I would recommend reading the book "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn (although the self-described conservative Christians will no-doubt find it not to their liking). When all is said and done, Y2K may be just what the doctor ordered.

-- Ted Markow (tmarkow@agate.net), November 20, 1998.


ut oh...

Sometimes I forget about weather as I live in Southern California. Franklin, Chuck...very, very sorry : )

Franklin, can we settle without legalities? Actually, I had thought about saying kick off your shoes and drag your toes through the sand. Can I ship you some real So Cal beach sand?

Regarding fear... I've noticed a real increase in y2k references on CNBC. They're going to do another story which will focus on the Fed storing away $50 Billion for just y2k. The gist of the story promo was "isn't this a way to create a self-fulfilling prophecy?" I'm waiting for the story. More info to come...

Mike Time is getting very, very short =================================================================

-- Michael Taylor (mtdesign3@aol.com), November 20, 1998.


I wondered how long it would take to see Daniel Quinn's name mentioned.

Like another who read his books, there is before Daniel Quinn and after Daniel Quinn. One's view is never the same. We are a family of educated historian/anthropologist/theologians and his views have been a topic of conversation and meditation since we read them. It is hard to explain to others who have not read his books but I would encourage you to do so. They just explain so very much of how life on our planet works. You begin to see just how much of our actions are not in our best interest. And, you can begin to see how things might be different.

He makes a very convincing arguement that will shake you to your toes.

As far as fear is concerned, it comes and goes, often in the same minute.

Yes, you will never be ready, but you do what you can.

Just try as hard as you can, the rest is really out of your hands.

-- julienne (bootman@value.net), November 20, 1998.


I mark off chores done on my list of things to do, and count my blessings and canned goods. I think of all the housework [gag] I'll get done if the power's off; I have a large can of elbow grease put by.

-- Karen Cook (browsercat@hotmail.com), November 20, 1998.

Now no flaming please: this is just my own very humble opinion (which I am still entitled to for awhile longer anyhow) --

I have found that now that I am actually in preparation mode, the fear is abating somewhat. Yeah, I am still scared sh*tless at times when I really think about it, but then I just add more stuff to my stash, go shopping and buy more oil lamps, more wicks. Got a dehydrator ordered yesterday, just received my food-sealing apparatus. Got a deal on some food-grade buckets (free). Reteaching myself to bake bread the old way (no bread machine bread post-y2k), Relearning to do canning which I haven't done in ages. Planning my huge garden for spring (with the hundreds and hundreds of heirloom/non-hybrid seeds I have purchased). I find that keeping active in my preparing allays the fear somewhat. And ya know what? Hubby and I were talking the other night about Y2k and possible scenarios, and we decided that it may not be such a bad bad thing after all. We are lucky. We live in a VERY small community (actually out in the country about 3 miles from a small community of about 500). Largest nearest real city is about 3-1/2 hours away from us here. We are fortunate to be remotely located. We have an old well with handpump that will give us water (and our few neighbors too if they need it). We have a fireplace with insert. Just got 3 cords of wood and more online for summertime (10-15 more cords). My living room looks like gramma's parlor..LOL...treadle sewing machine (beautiful, works like a charm, got for $150) and oil lamps all over the place. The cellar is starting finally to fill up with "goodies" (canned goods, canning jars, supplies). Stove for cooking is propane and we will be filling up the 300 pound tank late next year...should last a good long time). Anyway, we decided that this "happening" may be a good thing. I mean, now don't get me wrong here with what I am going to say. I do not for one minute think that people dying is necessarily a good thing...however, we DO have an overloaded planet here. We have lots of "deadwood" in our society. It may be a blessing in disguise to "clean out the attic" so to speak, and start over. Perhaps if the infrastructure collapses enough and the govt boys get gone , we can start over with a truly democratic republic the way our country was originally intended to be. Local communities will have their own rules/laws, etc. Pony express? Maybe...heh. I have always felt that govt. shouldn't be quite so centralized. Local govt. is a good thing. After all, that's where we live..in our local neighborhood, *not* in D.C. (well, except for Cory and some others of us...lol) Well, anyway, that's part of my take on this whole thing. The gist of it is, preparing helps to allay the fear. If I stop and sit down and really think about it all, and all the ramifications of this whole thing...I get majorly depressed, sort of. I do like my electronic toys. I will miss them. However, living the old way has it's benefits too. When we lived at our cabin in the woods for three years without any utilities (hauled water for a yr until we dug well, propane gas lamps, boiled water for washing etc, no phone, you get the picture) we found that we grew closer to one another. We would sit around at night playing monopoly, or reading by gaslight, and we actually *talked* to one another all the time! I miss it. I remember one time we had like 5 feet of snow on the ground, and some neighbors stopped in because the power had been out for a day and a half. They said, "we just came by because we knew that you guys would be snug as bugs here, what with being off the grid and all". LOL. We hadn't even noticed that the power was off. Well, anyway, just my 2 cents on all this. Bobbi (otherwise-jokingly-known-as-packrat)

-- Bobbi (volfnat@northweb.com), November 20, 1998.


How my family is dealing with Y2K uncertainty as follows:

All life sustaining preps now in place along with a 3-2-3 free & clear on 50 acres-25 arable/25 hardwood, non infrastructure dependent energy to run necessities(7 yrs min.), horse transportation if necessary, 1/2+ ac. vegetable garden, non-hybrid seeds, adequate firepower, more continuous clean water than 100 people could use, livestock(chickens, sheep, cattle), sanitary facilities, 401K cashed out, 10% penalty paid, cash out of the bank, hard assets buried, totally out of debt & I'm going to margaritaville for a whole year just in case it's my last chance to do so.

If it turns out to be a dud....hey, I took a year off, had a good time and go back to doing what I used to for a living.

-- Charles R. (chuck_roast@trans.net), November 20, 1998.


Bobbi, your "sacred space" sounds wonderful. I'd miss my computer too, oh well. Lots of great new things to learn and share. We've needed a global "clutter clearing" for some time. Just wish it didn't have to be through pain, fear, and fear of death.

Facing one's "fear of death" often provides a release. You can get on with living NOW. (And prepare to share).

Mike, "Time is getting very, very short." Try stepping into timelessness. It's very expansive. We can only go straight through the middle of Y2K, not push it away, then we'll just get to the other side of 2000, and figure it out in the moment.

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), November 21, 1998.


This year I have attempted on several occasions to go on a fast. It is a good way to prepare psychologically for not having food available for several days. Some claim that it is a healthy thing to do occasionally to let your body clean itself out. So far I have not made it more than 3 days. The first day or two are the hardest, it gets a lot easier after that. Whenever I broke down and started eating again it was not so much hunger as boredom. If you experiment with fasting now then you are less likely to panic in case of a real food shortage.

-- Joe O (jowczar@comp.uark.edu), November 22, 1998.

Moderation questions? read the FAQ