Writing this week's email was like wading through tar. The harder I fought, the worse it got. I was afraid of sharing this week's story and each time I stared at the near blank page, the fear would bubble up. I think fear, like false perceptions, are best tackled head on, if we can muster the courage. Here is my step in that direction.

Fiction Bite - Old Neighbours

Dave didn’t recognise her. Gone was the bushy-haired, spotted kid he’d spent afternoons playing make believe with. Instead, a goddess in a floaty maxi dress strode over their unkempt lawn. When they kissed a week later, he heard angels sing. A month later, their clothes were off and his heart crashed against his chest as he ran his fingers across her electric soft skin. She hit him. Knocking him back against the splintered planks of their old tree house. Her lips brushed his ear as she crushed his throat with a manicured hand.

‘Trust me. It’s better this way.’

He did; she was his first.

Quote of the Week

“Those who do not move, do not notice their chains.” ― Rosa Luxemburg

An exercise

When was the last time you did something that scared you? If you’re like me, we’ll avoid them wherever possible. It’s a hard-wired response that will bind us if we let it. Push past it with me this week, try something small, something scary and see if it’s as bad as you dreaded? Once you have done it, you are a new person, a braver, stronger version of yourself. A conqueror.

Final Words

If you got here, thank you for sticking with me as I try to unravel the thorn that has been this week's email. I feel like I’ve skirted round, pawing at the soft, shadowy edges of my fear, but in doing so, I’ve found it less overwhelming that it seemed. Next time I’ll try to plunge deeper into the depths.

With Love

Joe

P.S. What did you think of this week’s email? Which was your favourite bit? Hit reply and let me know.