Skip to main content

Following Up On The Fear of No Fear


Tonight, I realized that something used to be a big fear of mine, something that truly bugged me to no end, no longer has that stronghold on me anymore. Not because I am no longer afraid of it or that it no longer bothers me, but because it's happened so often, I'm becoming desensitized to it. 

For DP devotees, you know exactly what I am talking about. For those who are new to these parts called Dome Pondering, all you have to do is look no further than the American League representative in the World Series. Yes, the Boston Red Sox. 

Back in 2007, I touched base on this with a post describing the Red Sox second World Series victory in four years as "The Fear of No Fear".

Tonight, I can't say that original fear is gone, because I am actively rooting for St. Louis come Game 1. However, the idea that the Red Sox are in the World Series, and have a legitimate shot at another World Series title is crushing. 

As a Yankee die-hard, it's natural to dislike the Red Sox. 

My heart sank as this happened...

But what bothers me the most tonight as I punch the keys on this fear, is that resounding truth in my heart that I know this trip to the World Series for them isn't a fluke. It isn't just a one-time thing. The Red Sox are a good team, and have the chance to repeat this success next year. 

Complicating this fear is the fact that my boys in pinstripes have more questions than answers facing the team next year. In fact, many don't want to admit it, but there are some huge transitional years coming up here in New York City. 

The lowest of moments for any Yankees fan

So here we are, Yankees out of the playoffs, cutting payroll, without my guy, #42, never ever coming out of the bullpen again, and the Boston Red Sox in the World Series looking for their third - third! - championship in the last decade. 

Things are changing, and I don't like it. Not one bit. 

I could be happy that I'm not overly desensitized to this natural fear, but how can I be when my pinstriped eyes will be watching those dreaded red "B" caps in the Fall Classic.

Whether it is fear of being desensitized or simply real fear, either way, I'm afraid of what could possibly happen over the next week. Very afraid. 
Labels:

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?
Read more

Turning 40 - Grateful and Renewed

I became a forty-year-old individual yesterday.  The milestone is very significant for many and has its societal measures and benchmarks that carry some fear for those approaching its gates. Regardless of approach, turning 40 is filled with reflection, pondering (of course), and preparation for what should be a "new" stage of life. A life stage centered around "transitioning" into a stage seen as the "pre-senior" years.  Sure. Whatever.  I won't disagree that the new "4" digit that sits in front of your age feels encompassing even without understanding completely. Yet, as I stated last year when I turned 39 (going into my 40th year on this earth), I was ready for it. Ready for 40. Today, oddly enough, I am not filled with profound life lessons, ponderings, or reflections.  I sit here, punching the keys, filled with gratitude. I am 40, and I love it.   I carry my baggage of life and bear scars from it at 40. I am grateful for so many experien...
Read more

Knicks Trauma - Ugh Not Again

Well, that was a kick in the stomach.  Coming off a week where the word "catharsis" was used as the description for the euphoria and release of joy from two and a half decades of suffering, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers brought about another word - trauma.  Watching the Knicks collapse was the kind of moments that come with these deep runs and moments. NBA Playoff basketball will do that. Yet, this loss - this one - feels about as bad as the 2004 ALCS when the Yankees collapsed in the series to the Boston Red Sox.  That one carries some serious trauma. Luckily, the series isn't over.  Some other quick thoughts from this awful, awful night, New York Knicks Basketball.  - Not to conjure up hyperbole, or even contribute to "hot take" sports reaction culture - but this might have been the worst loss in Knicks franchise history. I cannot think of another in my lifetime, or historically.  - Tyrese Haliburton's "choke"...
Read more