Donating Blood

Embarrassed to reveal my vulnerability and afraid that I may overreact and make a commotion, my six-year-old self let out a terrified scream as the doctor pricked the sensitive pad of my index finger and my blood came into view. I felt horrified when the doctor squeezed my finger and I saw my own blood smear onto my skin. Immediately, I sensed that I would never outgrow my fear of blood. My imagination overpowered my reasoning at such a young age; my first experience with a piercing needle made me think that I could never handle blood and would always squeamishly tremble at its sight.

Although I have always wanted to help those in need, I repeatedly rejected the idea to ever donate blood during my lifetime. I convinced myself that I could never successfully make a blood donation,
Primarily, the thought of confronting such a terrifying thought seemed impossible and initiated feelings of anxiety and discomfort. However, not long after I felt the nurse prod the dreadful needle into my vein, I realized that I could follow through with the blood donation, I could follow through with staying conscious, and I could follow through with overcoming my fear. The initial needle jab, the first action that one takes to surpass his fear, is always the hardest. Nevertheless, once my blood started flowing into the donation bag, I contentedly noted my progress as I watched my fear drain from my body and into the pouch.

As a regular blood donor now, I am always reminded of my terrifying first time donating, and I feel a great sense of relief and purpose when I think of my potential to save lives through the simple act of giving blood. I can achieve one of my greatest dreams, helping people in need, by confronting a fear and not letting mental threats impede me from reaching my goal. Only by strengthening my willpower against my imagination can I truly overcome a fear and begin to achieve what I never thought