SCIFIMULTIVERSE PROMPT WEEK 52 : From fearful to fearless.

I believe as human beings, we all have our personal fears irrespective of who you are. The word "FEAR" obviously looks small but it carries a heavy meaning. Fear does not necessarily need to be loud. Fear is like silence, A quiet voice within you that always reminds you of the "What ifs?". Fear always have a way of imprisoning you sometimes. Just when you make an attempt to come out of your shell, it captures you again. Fear can suddenly appear, just when you've decided to choose growth.

I'm glad this prompt found me haha! And I'm going to share how I once conquered fear.

I was once a victim of bullying a long time ago in primary school. Not just by my fellow students, but also the teachers. Teachers who are not just suppose to educate me but also be my guardian, mentor, infact a role model. They play favourites among the students. Those who comes from a wealth family and also the brilliant ones. While the dull ones always get mocked or punished for being a slow learner.

I use to think I'm a dullard back then. Because that's what everyone calls me in school. And because of fear, I couldn't defend myself. I barely talk in class. And most times when I'm called out to read to the class I will continue to stare at my books and say nothing. Then that voice starts playing in my head again. "What if?" What if I pronounced the wrong words and the entire class laughed at me, what if the teacher discipline me because I'm a failure. In the end, I will listen to the voice of fear, get punished for my bad grades and still remain a dullard.

One day, luck decided to shine upon me. I had to change my location to another state. A big city "ABUJA". Nothing seem interesting about it at first until I got to the new environment. I embraced the fresh air of a new beginning. No pressure, no old faces that reminds me I'm a failure, no bullies, everything was so brand new.

It all started to make sense when a life changing experience happened to me. I was home alone that beautiful morning. Feeling so bored because there was nothing interesting to do. I went into my dad's room and started going through his things, hoping to find something to keep me busy. I went through his bookshelf and saw a primary school textbook. I picked it up and began going through it. Flipping through the pages hoping to find does short folktales usually on school textbooks. I came across one and I stared at it for a long time. I knew what I was suppose to do but how when I'm always scared?. I wanted to close the textbook and organise the shelves but my hands were not listening to me. In that moment I felt different, more like something else was in control of my mind.

I decided to calm down and read the first paragraph. To my surprise, I read it without any mistakes. I can be dramatic sometimes, I pinched myself to be sure it was real. And I confirmed it wasn't a dream.

I screamed out of excitement. Nobody was home to witness the miracle. I was so happy I continue practicing with the textbook until I was able to read smoothly and fluently. The following week, I got admission into a new school. My result was so good to think the exam was written by a dullard. It all felt like magic, or I have a feary godmother guiding me all of a sudden. Till today I kept asking myself what happened, how did I change and I'm glad I conquered fear. Ever since that day, I've learn to stand out and defend myself. No more bullying, infact I can now communicate with people without being short of words. I'm really happy I'm no longer the quiet and fearful zali anymore.

Thank you for reading until the end.
ALL PICTURES ARE MINE