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Fear of Success
I had thought about returning to college for several years
But the fear of success had kept me in the dark for a while
“It’s too difficult, I’m too old, I don’t have the money or time”
All the excuses I had in my mind filled my heart with anxiety
But for far too long I was feeling I had hit a glass ceiling
The lack of a degree kept my career stalled or at a stand still
Until one day I decided to go back to the old campus
Seeing the buildings and students gave me an old thrill
So that day, standing there on the university campus
I decided to continue and complete my education
Sure it was a couple of years and endless hours of studying
But that’s how I overcame that weird fear of success
And all because I walked around campus
Published 3rd Apr 2024
Author's Note
2024 Official DUP Stomp the Prompt Comp prompt # 2
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
likes 4
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comments 8
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Commenting Preference:
The author encourages honest critique.
3rd Apr 2024 8:44am
I know the feeling as both a returning student 25 years later and also at my old high school as a teachers Aide and hall monitor. Just walking the old hallways was a time warp. When I went back to college to take some classes just for the hell of it, I found myself thinking, I could do this every year forever, just find classes to take each semester till I died. But money is an issue. I thought college was expensive in the 80s... WoW!
JJ
JJ
19th May 2024 9:43pm
I think our own minds become the major culprit in creating obstacle courses or put up excuses to put up excuses. I started college in the early 90s for 2 1/2 year and when I went back 15 years, it was four times as expensive. Yes, walking down the halls and buildings of a campus does certainly give inspiration, regardless of any age.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
3rd Apr 2024 12:44pm
That's relatable Wally. I have the same problem. I just feel stagnant. Might be a good idea, but I'm too old methinks. Good read though.👍🌻
19th May 2024 9:47pm
I remember sitting at my cousin's graduation some years ago. The last person to walk across the stage was a lady well into her 70s. Everyone in the audience applauded and stood up for her. It was really a beautiful and joyous moment to see that this woman, whoever she was, had made the decision to finish.
Now as I approach my 50s, that fear becomes a little more real again, not so much time wise but money wise. Education here in the US is expensive, but as they say, where there is a will there is away.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Now as I approach my 50s, that fear becomes a little more real again, not so much time wise but money wise. Education here in the US is expensive, but as they say, where there is a will there is away.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
3rd Apr 2024 1:58pm
I too have put off finishing my degree. It’s an inspiration that you're returning to complete yours! I like the flow of this poem, very easy and natural like a conversation with an old friend.
19th May 2024 9:49pm
Nightbird, thank you for reading and commenting. We know life gets in the way, we have jobs, careers, family, children and other things, but there is always that little voice inside of us calling to us. Hopefully we can answer that call.
3rd Apr 2024 2:06pm
I've often had fear of success issues.
It's a really weird feeling when you achieve heights and fear losing them ..
Bravo to you Wally !
BIG LIKE
It's a really weird feeling when you achieve heights and fear losing them ..
Bravo to you Wally !
BIG LIKE
19th May 2024 9:51pm
Thank you Poet, yes, it's like reaching the top of a mountain and then fearing to fall off. Its been almost 13 years since I finished and the thought has stayed with me, calling to me.
