For most of my life, I have been afraid. Not of anything specifically, but afraid of taking chances. I have let so many chances pass me by. Chances to go abroad, chances to take part in the Walt Disney College Program, chances to help people. There have been times where I would be dead set on a decision, but the moment that someone said they did not agree, I opted out of the decision. (Please tell me that I'm not alone in this...somebody???).
Basically, I have been afraid of taking chances that would help me grow as a person, as a student, or stand up for my beliefs all because I was, and still am, afraid. I fear that the choices I want to make will hurt people, offend people, may hurt me, cause rifts in relationships, or will just be the wrong ones. But, I realized that not taking these chances came at a cost.
Fear has been costing me experiences that could truly impact my life, all because I allowed unnecessary guilt from myself, others, and the potential outcomes (good or bad) that would come with each chance. By choosing to not take these chances, I made the wrong choices either way. I have been depriving myself of amazing experiences that could have held valuable lessons and amazing people.
So, for my fellow guilt and fear-filled people pleasers, here is my proposal... let's think about what we want. Not like, "oooh I really want that churro", but if you have the opportunity to do an amazing internship with your dream company (and you can afford to do it if it's out of state), do it! Take the chance. Don't let people deter you from opportunities that could potentially turn into a full-time job after college. Take the trip with your friends (again...as long as it won't break the bank significantly) and stay in that semi-sketchy hostel that had mixed reviews on whatever website you used to find it. Take the chance.
But if you're like me, you may be more talk than action because...haha people are still going to remind me that I came home two weeks into my freshman year because I didn't like sharing a room with people, so moving to another city or state after college will not be possible. Or maybe a more relevant one...POLITICS! I know what you're thinking...what does politics have to do with anything in this rambly speech about fear. Well, my dears I'll tell you. Being from the southeastern region of the United States, I have many people who do not agree with my more "liberal" political views.
Personally, I think we should take a page from countries such as Sweden, Britain, or Canada and focus on racial equality, gender equality, LGBTQA+ acceptance and equality, a national health service, and possibly even some of the decorum that comes from the leaders of this country? I mean we are the world superpower...you would think these basic things would be something that we would have right?
But that whole blurb, I rarely say anything to them because I am afraid of what people would say.(Honestly, I know what they would say. I heard it all after I walked in the Women's March). But doesn't make me part of the problem when I don't speak out about my beliefs? How can we reach these basic (read the blurb above) human needs without people speaking up right? I know I'm not alone in that respect. Here is what I propose. We stop being scared. I KNOW, I KNOW! Easier said than done. But, take it day by day. Baby steps. I know that I will...will you? Let's make 2018 the year we stop being afraid.