This week I am practicing my ability to fight irrational fear. For me, it pops up every now and then, such as worrying about a plane crash the night before a big trip. After September 11, 2001, it was a fear of driving over the Golden Gate Bridge. This week, however, it is fear of the SARS virus that is spreading around the world. (Not to say my life is ruled by fear and worry, but it does pop up every now and then.)
One way to fight it is to stay ignorant. If I don't read any news reports then I don't know it's out there, I don't know that the numbers are increasing even in Thailand, and I don't know there is no cure.
But forces are conspiring against me, making the topic impossible to ignore. Yesterday, a sign went up on the University office's door saying that if any students, faculty, or staff visit "infected" countries, they must stay home for 10 days upon return. Luckily, my upcoming trip to Laos for Songkran is still on... for now.
