“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself”…yeah, and like, other REALLY scary stuff, right?!?!?!?
I think that quote from Franklin D. Roosevelt is great. And I really wish it was true for me. I’ve found a bajillion things to be afraid of. I’m scared of all kinds of terrifying things. Like, failing. And being wrong. And not being ‘good enough’. And people. And conflict. And rejection. And my list could go on and on.
But I’m learning to get over those fears. I’m learning to open up and become vulnerable. I’m learning that facing my fears is the only way to get to where I want to be. I have a great friend that has helped me through so much more than he knows. He knows everything about me and still accepts me, loves me for who I am, and never thinks less of me, regardless of what happens.
He once told me that I need to walk through the fire. I think of that every time I am facing a fear. I literally envision myself surrounded by fire and the only way out is to stand tall and walk through it. And you know what? Every time, I make it through, relatively unscathed. Sure, I’ve been burnt a few times, but I’m here and I’m stronger each time.
Whatever it is in life that you fear, know that your fear is not stupid or unreasonable. Life is scary stuff! But also know that it shouldn’t hold you back. You’re stronger than that. Stand up and walk through the fire. It will be scary. It may even hurt a bit. But each time, it gets a little bit easier. And you come out stronger on the other end.
-Joe
