The only thing we have to fear is fear itself

Fear is big, or small. Confronting it on any scale is empowering. I incorporated Casual Uncluttering LLC 10/11/2011. I filed a trademark application for Casual Uncluttering on 10/21/2011, no lawyer, no nuttin except my research and a very patient and kind trademark attorney at the US Patent and Trademark Office. I achieved ownership on July 31, 2o12. And for a variety of reasons, ridiculous and reasonable, I managed to let it lapse. But, triumphant, I successfully reclaimed the mark on 10/8/2019. One minute, baffling kerfluffle. None of the documents relating to the reclamation were on file with the US Patent and Trademark Office. ?!?!?!?!?!?

And I avoided confronting the kerfluffle until today, 5/14/2020. Kinda thought that was safe because of the paperwork I’d received, but ya know it was risky. So why in the world did I go and flirt with danger, this time knowingly? Because I was scared. Just plain scared that the lack reflected something too big to solve. Or that it would takes hours and hours to fix.

SO OF COURSE it took about five minutes with the help of a clerk who was grateful for a client who got her to laugh several times during the process. SO OF COURSE nothing more is required until 2024.

Find something that seems too big. See if you can’t make it small.

The quote in my title is from Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s inaugural speech, March 4. 1933:

“I am certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation of our people impel. This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days….”