Don’t Be Afraid

It’s so easy to let fear prevent us from moving forward.  That makes sense if you encounter a poisonous snake on a hike that is threatening to bite you.  (I’m terrified of snakes.)  If you move forward, it will bite you.  So retreat seems like the only option.  But you can always move sideways until the way forward is clear.

The biggest reason I personally have failed to moved forward is fear.  I ask myself, “What if…” and then image the worst case scenario.  What if I am rejected?  What I’m not as talented in this area than I think I am?  What if I’m no good?  What if people say mean things about me?  What if people laugh at me?  Who am I if this doesn’t work out?

Some people live their whole lives doing things they don’t enjoy.  They do a job they don’t care about because they need the money to earn a living.  They go to events because they are expected to do so, not because they want to.  They have nothing to look forward to.  It’s a life without joy.  Why?  Because they are afraid to do anything else.

But what if you had the courage to do what you really wanted to do?  What if you could live your dream?  What if the only thing holding you back is your own belief that you can’t do it?  What if you didn’t care if you failed?  What if you didn’t care what anybody else said?  What if you just chose to do things that would make you happy?  How would your life change?

Then you wouldn’t be wasting your time because you would be living the life you wanted to live.  You would be doing the things that you wanted to do!

Here are two songs that I have really found encouraging:

Air Supply’s “Don’t Be Afraid”:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-eDRo6FhsM

Jana Stanfield’s “If I Were Brave”:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqOQ4OjG2lA

Sometimes I write this blog to remind myself of what I need to hear.  Today I need not to be afraid but instead to be brave !

Joke:  The only thing to fear is everything you’re afraid of.

Quote:  “Bravery is not the lack of fear but the ability to move forward in spite of fear.”

– Unknown

Advice:  Try to be brave and not afraid.  Live your life and be happy.