A few days into the new year and the new semester, and I’m still sticking with one of my resolutions: to branch out. I feel like my first semester was a lot of trying to get settled in and somewhat testing the waters. It was strictly school work and just hanging out with a couple of friends.

However, I felt somewhat disappointed that I didn’t meet more people, and I realized that if that’s something I want to happen, I have to do more than sit in my dorm; therefore I made branching out a goal of mine for the spring semester. Honestly, I am so excited about it.

My roommate and I are basically in this together, and one thing we decided to start doing is work out classes and yoga. This obviously does not sound appealing, but I was willing to try it. I knew that this wasn’t anything I was interested in, but I felt like for the sake of my resolution, it definitely couldn’t hurt.

But I was nervous. I didn’t like the thought of working out in front of other people. I don’t like people seeing me in a state where I am somewhat vulnerable. I was actually nervous to take a class. I didn’t want to have to experience the judgement of anyone else in the room around me. I finally I thought, “You know what? Who cares. You are trying to better yourself “

So, I went. I experienced some of the worst pain ever, but it was so worth it. I realized it was something that I enjoy doing and made me feel good. I didn’t feel a single look of judgement. I felt a room of people supporting each other that are working toward the same/similar goal. It felt nice that all of us had a common interest. We talked to people, we laughed, and we ached.

I tell this story to say that you shouldn’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. A quote by Robert Tew says, “Sometimes what you’re most afraid of doing is the very thing that will set you free.” He couldn’t be more correct. Though I am applying this to something as simple as taking a yoga class, this can apply to many situations in life. We so often find fear holding us back.

I find myself often referring back to lessons my dad taught me. One of the greatest lessons he ever taught me was not to let fear restrict me. I was such a scared child. I was scared of everything. I missed out on many opportunities because of the fears that ate at me. My dad reminded me that I will never know unless I try, so I began to try. I began to see success and growth in my life and my confidence.

I still find myself being scared at times. Most of the time, it’s over something silly, but it is something big to me. If it holds me back, it’s a big deal. Your fears are a big deal, but you can overcome them.