I noticed something trivial at the weekend. I am no longer afraid of Spiders or Horses. Big whoop you might think but actually this is a drastic change from my rather pathetically fearful teenage state. I couldn't be in the same room with a spider, they totally freaked me out (watching Aracnaphobia was probably not my brightest move). I would scream, shake and generally look like an idiot if I saw one. Now I don't know if I want to pick one up but the other day a pretty big Mr Spider and I agreed to share my bathroom quite amicably. He had really gross long legs and those pincer looking things and everything...
On my New Year's Day walk two riders crossed our path on two small but lovely horses. I used to be so afraid of them after a rather unfortunate kicking me down and jumping over me incident that I made horses skittish around me. I get scared - they get jumpy - I think they're about to attack - etc. etc. It was a vicious circle. This one (I think his name was grubby or grotty or something) came right on up and said hello. It felt like a triumph. I wasn't scared at all, I could stroke him and have a little chat and felt nothing but enjoyment for one of God's most noble creatures. I haven't been purposely conquering my fears, I think I've just grown out of them. At this rate I should be able to eat raisans by the time I'm 35. On second thoughts maybe not... I'm not afraid of them I just think they're from Satan. Can't see that changing any time soon. xc