Fear has a beautiful way of paralyzing us. Not only does it do that, but it also leaves you with regrets afterward. It’s an emotion that we can’t stop from coming, but we can choose how to react to it.
Here’s my story:
Sometime in January 2020, we had rising cases of a viral haemorrhagic fever which typically spread via rats – Lassa fever. Many persons knew its name but most do not know the facts about its prevention. What then about the less-educated population who have limited access to correct information?
In a bid to disseminate information on preventive measures against the virus, I made an approximately 7-minutes-long video in the Igbo language and encouraged viewers to play it for their pals who do not have a good knowledge of the English language. It was a beautiful video, but …
… fear visited me. I NEVER posted that video! Why
1. I feared being ridiculed
2. I felt it’ll appear somewhat unprofessional and
3. that the video was too long and with a poor quality
Fast forward to 21st March 2020, the era of coronavirus. The world was unveiling several actions just to contain the COVID-19: WHO, NCDC, FMOH were giving us daily updates, and many pieces of information were unrolling from several sources. In one of the WhatsApp groups I belong to, a colleague posted a link to the YouTube video she made on limiting fake news about the virus and creating awareness on proper preventive measures against the virus.
But guess what, her video was approximately 10-minutes-long, made in the same “IGBO LANGUAGE”, and about the same grade of mobile device was used in taking her records.
While I was limiting my competence, someone else was pruning and honing on her existing skills and availabilities. I would have probably saved a life then if I had done the needful. ?♀️
I lost my chance then and accepted my shameful price of zero-action, updated my lessons-learned register, slept and picked myself back up.
I’ve learnt my lessons and that’s why you’re even seeing this post today.
Be like my colleague and the current me and dare the world!
Has fear ever paralysed you? Brush it off, learn from it and share your experience with us. … like this article? Please leave a word at the comment section and share with your friends.
Truly yours,
Dr. STM
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