#1: Hold the Tarantula

Meet scary thing #1. I decided that I might as well start off with something awful, otherwise what was the point of this challenge. One day I randomly recalled that I knew someone who had a tarantula for a pet. I called her and explained that I'd probably hit my head and become unhinged, but could I hold their furry spider beast? Part of me was hoping she was going to say it was too mean to be held, but she said it was friendly (we may have different definitions of that word...) so we set it up.

There I was, one week into the year and checking the first thing off my list. I was petrified, but oddly surged with adrenaline as I marched forth to what was for sure to end in being eaten by a tarantula. We started with small talk. I was totally trying to stall time and when this was realized I was promptly directed to the tank. I took a deep breathe and said, "I'm ready... I think". I was directed to sit down and remain still. I'm not going to lie, I was really nervous that I would have a total freakout moment and just throw the thing across the room and run. The spider was slowly placed near my hands and one by one its furry legs pressed into my palms. I was holding it. I was also holding my breath.

It just sat there. This thing I was petrified of just sat there. It was much lighter than I thought it would be. All of a sudden a rush of calm came over me. I had done it. I had faced the first fear on my list. I was scared and I did it anyway. And much like the weight of the spider, the fear became lighter as well. Now, just because I had conquered this didn't mean I wanted to hang out with it, so I gently gave it back. After thanking them and then using an entire travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer, I realized I was braver than I had previously believed.

Now, while I wouldn't say I became a fan that day, I will say that whenever I spot a spider nearby I just smile and say hi. I usually let it be. I am still human after all. If Shelob's cousin shows up at my house, I'm still using the nearest boot to squish it. So here's to squishing your fears, whether that means holding the spider or squishing it.

Enthusiastically yours,

Marina