This was going to be a Lost in DC post, but it's really more about fear, in general, than about the one I've just conquered. And I've discovered over the years (though I always deny it in the moment) that fear is the thing that most gets in the way of my writing. Sometimes I don't want to understand the situation I'm in and don't want to deal with the pain that writing about it can bring about. But in the end, it's always better to get past it, to suffer momentarily in order to figure it out and move on. Perhaps I'm also afraid of moving on in some situations, afraid of what that means. Having to accept harsh truths or, worse, give them to someone else.Fear does serve a purpose. My fear of driving on the Capital Beltway (I-495) was completely justified - it is a crazy, backward, traffic-ridden highway and, between the recklessness of some drivers and the confusion that the roads themselves cause, I do not blame myself for avoiding it whenever possible. However, I decided to take it to and from Alexandria the other day to overcome my fear. If for no other reason than not having to worry about being terrified of it should I ever accidentally end up on it. The simple fact is, if you're living in or visiting the DC Metro Area, you are going to end up on The Beltway at some point. The same interstate highway that Americans have been fearing getting stuck on since 1984. Better to be prepared for the insanity than to be the one causing an accident.
