THE POWER OF SUGGESTION

I know that people only mean well when they express concern for my well being, but I wish they wouldn't.  I know from experience that it's the fear of the unknown that plays most on the mind and all this expressed fear for my safety only adds to the apprehension.   Fortunately, I also know from experience that apprehension starts to disappear once the actual travel begins and, it usually totally dissipates once I'm on the ground.   It was the same in '93 when everyone was so negative about going to Mostar.  I had the feeling that there was no way I was going to make it through the six months and if I did, I would return home with both legs and both arms gone, blinded and struck dumb.   Of course it was dangerous in Mostar, but nearly as dangerous as people had led me to believe and once the "street" rules were learned it wasn't anymore dangerous than when I was 20 years old, working alone in violent Canadian communities.  I guess it's all relative to what people perceive as dangerous.   I just wish people would be a little more upbeat and not so morbid.