vertically challenged

I discovered something this week that is going to be a real challenge to me as I progress in my kungfu. I am vertically challenged. And no, I don't mean my height, although I barely scrape a 5"2, thats not the issue, (although it could contribute.) I've discovered I have a real aversion to leaving the floor in any vertical fashion. How did I discover this in myself? We were practicing scissor kicks in class, something I havent really done before. Now, the start of the practice wasnt too bad; practice against a mat, hitting low, basically like a side breakfall. (That being said, I still managed to give myself whiplash by not breakfalling properly,  but that 'kicked in' later. ) Then my Sifu tried to get me to try the kick at waist level; I could NOT get my foot to leave the ground. I could get the 1 leg up and then...nothing. I couldnt convince my body to get the other up. It was frustrating!! It wasnt even a feeling of fear at the time, just a clear, NO, from my body. In retrospect, its funny, but at the time, not.
I have had inklings of this before; I've always felt better being well grounded. In wrestling, animal soccer and other crazy things from my youth, being centered and low to the ground has served me well. In class when we do things like vertical jumps, my height I gain certainly has never been impressive. Its like trying to get a tree to jump, but the roots keep getting in the way. At any rate, it is something to work on. Hopefully without the whiplash or killing of my partner. (Wearing a cup seems like a wise move for this kick.) This tree may yet learn to fly.
Having reached brown belt, I'm starting to run into a few things that are challenging me in the fear category; things I havent had to do much of, or havent done yet that scare me sometimes. I know its all in my own head; fear of disappointing my instructors, of not succeeding  that I'll never 'get it'. It is hard to admit the fear, let alone face it. Harder yet to do so to my instructors and class mates although I know they would be understanding. Asking for help may be the hardest challenge this year. Its funny how there are somethings that I have no problem asking for help and others that it is an emotionally charged issue. Do I just not want anyone to know how much I am committed to some things? To having that devotion ridiculed? Or maybe I just think to much. It is sunday, after all.:)