How many times have you heard the phrase “YOLO”? It seems so cliché and made up but all jokes aside, you really only do live once. And not only do you live once, but you never know how long that life will be. “There’s always tomorrow” is another expression that is not always true. We don’t know if there will be a tomorrow and that is what should be your encouragement to go out and live your life to the fullest.

Fear is something that holds literally everyone back. The older I get, the more I realize how evil fear is. It is so minuscule and yet it feels like the biggest deal. Some days it feels like I am completely consumed with fear and all it’s surrounding emotions. Fear is not something anyone wishes for, I definitely don’t. Here is an example that really sticks in mind, and I hope it will give you encouragement to conquer whatever is thrown your way.

A few years ago, I went to Australia for a little over two weeks. I was able to see some of the most amazing things ever and create very memorable experiences. Some awesome and some disappointing. One of the disappointing memories is that we were given the chance to go rock climbing and it was in the most beautiful area. The whole time I was in line, I was chanting everyone on and giving them little positive pep talks because I was 100% sure I was going to jump off that cliff. When it was finally my turn I got harnessed up and ready to go, I walked over to the edge of the rock and could not make the jump. I kept trying and trying and it seemed absolutely impossible. I was thinking, “No way!” Now, that is something that I hate to think about. It disappoints me because what a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I ditched it all because of this little emotion named fear. I let a four letter word stop me from something that cool.

The positive part of the story is that now I have something to look back on, and use that as fuel for the fire. The next time I am faced with something totally crazy and most likely life changing, I will do it. I will do it to give fear that little kick-in-the-butt, and show him that I am better than him. I also find comfort in knowing that at any time when I feel afraid, I can call out to Jesus. I absolutely love that no matter the situation, Jesus will be right by my side, cheering me on, while protecting me at the same time.

I pray that everyone reading this will find comfort and begin to learn to let go of any unnecessary fear that is consuming your life. You were given this life to explore, enjoy, love and shine the Lord’s light unto others. With that being said, step out of that comfort zone and go live your amazing life!