If you're anything like me, then you're tired of being afraid. Afraid of failure, of rejection, of not being good enough, of letting things that are out of your control dictate what you do and how you do it.

I'm so sick of letting fear dictate my life. And it's time to change this.

I'm not saying that we should all become adrenaline junkies, jumping out of planes and off bridges. But I am suggesting that we break out of our comfort zones. It's time to ignore your fearful and anxious thoughts. You can finally tell your overly-rational brain to relax. Because, really, is it the worst thing ever if he doesn't text you after you give him your number?

Fear dictates too many lives. We become too cautious. We begin to worry about the future, about the consequences of situations that haven't even happened. While this may serve as a protection mechanism for our pride, self-esteem, and hearts, I can honestly say that I don't know if being cautious is worth it.

By not getting out and doing things, we shelter ourselves. We sit back and watch others live their lives. We don't experience all the beauty of what surrounds us because we are too fearful of what exactly? Rejection? Failure? Disappointment? If those are the only things that are stopping you, then you should thank your lucky stars.

We have the ability to take leaps of faith, to get our hands dirty, to directly experience what this world has to offer us. Now it won't always play out the way we want, but there's nothing wrong with that. In the end, taking risks will teach us lessons and help us form new memories. We don't have to be held captive in the cages fear has made for us.

So go sit at a new lunch table. Raise your hand to talk in class more. Apply to that competitive college. Give your crush your number or ask them out.

Life isn't meant to be lived in fear. It's time to realize this and act in accordance to this realization. Time is limited, so, I beg you, go out and experience something. Do something impulsive and don't worry about the repercussions. I promise it will be worth it.

Let's make those "what if's" into "remember when's."