To The Ones Who Are Afraid To Just Do The Thing | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Life Stages

To The Ones Who Are Afraid To Just Do The Thing

Whatever it is, you can.

536
To The Ones Who Are Afraid To Just Do The Thing

We all have that thing that we really want to do — whether it's trying out a new club, exploring a new place, or making a new friend. But sometimes it can be overwhelming and, well, scary. I know. I've been there many times.

As I approach the end of my first year in college, I've been unbelievably retrospective. I can't help but think about everything that has happened in my life to get me to where I am today, or how different my life would be if one little thing happened differently. But regardless of whatever existential crisis I happen to fall into, I always find that the greatest things that have happened in my life are all rooted in my conquered fears.

I was afraid to go on a service trip to New Orleans with new JMU students who I didn't know. Now, the tall, freckle-faced, redhaired girl I met on that trip is my best friend and we'll be returning to New Orleans for another round of service next month.

I was afraid to audition for plays at JMU. Now, I'm working on so many exciting projects in the theater.

I was afraid to come to JMU in the first place. Now, it's my favorite place in the world.

There is a lot about myself that I don't know, but I've learned that I'll never truly know myself and all that I am capable of if I surround myself with fear.

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone in this kind of situation, it would be: just do the thing. Because you can. Fear alone can be enough to talk you out of pursuing something that could be so wonderful, but I'm here to tell you to face those fears. Embrace them. Use that energy to fuel whatever amazing journey you're about to go on.

It can be difficult. If I'm being honest, I still get nervous when trying new things. But what I have begun to realize is that people want you to succeed, and no one is going to judge you if you don't get it exactly right on your first try.

I have come face to face with my fair share of failure, rejection, and embarrassment, and I would be lying if I said it didn't hurt when I got that college rejection letter, or when my face went completely red while giving a speech in front of my class, or when I didn't get cast in that musical. But that's OK! Feel the hurt, feel the frustration, feel whatever you need to feel. Just remember that things can only get better from here on out.

Take chances. That's how we learn.

Make mistakes. That's how we grow.

Fail. That's how we get stronger.

So, do the thing, whatever it is. Take that step, no matter how big or small. Maybe jump, cartwheel, run, or spin. Go forward, sideways, or diagonal—just don't go back.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774495
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

221
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

College Life: As Told By Bob's Burgers

If there's anyone who understand the struggles of college, it's the Belcher family

903
Bob's Burgers

College is a time of gaining independence, exploring new things, and copious amounts of Netflix. If you're like me, you often find yourself laughing at the sheer ridiculousness of the situations you find yourself in. Here are ten times Bob's Burgers accurately captured college life.

1. What you're pretty sure your upstairs neighbors do at 3am every morning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Why Theater Kids Are the Greatest People Ever

Supportive and spontaneous human beings are the best.

679
Theater Kids

Throughout school, the theater department has always been my go-to place with go-to people when I need advice, a dance party, or just someone to listen to me vent.

You never know what's going to happen when you're dealing with theatre or what kind of characters you'll encounter. We have too much fun doing anything! One time in my senior year acting class, we spent an entire class period watching Bob's Burgers, and it was the greatest class period ever.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments