All of us, as human beings, have tasted the frightening effects of fear. The sad part is that some of us allow the fear to dominate us to the point where we don’t even try the things we have wanted the most and thus, it cripples and prevents us from being the best versions of ourselves. One quote that I’ve kept constantly in my heart is”

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

The first and only time I came across this quote was some years ago while watching the Hillary Duff movie “Cinderella Story”. I don’t even remember much of the plot of the movie but I have never forgotten the quote.

This week, I touched a milestone and found myself reminiscing on the fears I had to overcome to get to it. Today, I will be listing some of these fears  and telling why I have no regrets in moving past them.

1. I feared losing my best friend: I eventually lost my best friend despite all I did to prevent it but you know what? I survived! While in the process of learning to come back from the abyss of emotional despair, I picked up a few lessons. Not everyone who comes into your life is meant to stay, some are just to teach you lessons and go. That was the role of my best friend. I also learned who were the persons in my life I could lean on for support.

2. I feared starting university: I had no money to speak of but through sheer determination, along with the backing of my friends and the Grace of God, I started university. And you know what? After three years of hard work and many sleepless nights I will be graduated! Although I had to work to finance myself, it was a journey well-worth taking. I met some wonderful people, made some new friends and had some experiences that I wouldn’t trade for the world.

3. I feared altercations or conflicts: Many of us cringe from conflict even when it comes to defending what is important to us. I’ve have learned that it is up to you to stand up for what you want or believe in, no matter how frightening the situation may be. If you won’t stand up for yourself or your opinions, how can you truly expect others to do it for you?

4. I feared being myself: This was a big one for me. I used to fear how others would react to me being me. Now that doesn’t fall high on my list of priorities. After all, I am the original me and there will never be another like me. Frankly, the persons who truly love you will accept you for who you are even if your friends like you because they think you “think differently from most normal people.” -_-

5. I feared failure: One of the things I’ve learned is that if you don’t try, you will always be left wondering “what if?”. With my imagination, “what ifs?” are not a good option. Whether in your personal, professional or general life, never let fear be the reason you don’t go for it. The regret of never trying always stings worse than the regret of trying and not succeeding. Again: You have never failed. You have just found a thousand ways that do not work!

Don’t give your fears the upper hand. The reality is not normally as bad as your mind makes it out to be, so, go for it. What are some of your fears? Has this post resounded with you? Tell me how by leaving a comment below.

XOXO

Chañel

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