The world, without a doubt, is a scary place. In any setting, you can die, become seriously injured or experience something terrifying -- and to accept this idea is even more terrifying. Think about it. Wherever you go, whenever in time, you could die in that instant or become so ill that everything you wished to do in your life becomes almost impossible. The possibility of any of this happening, of course, is highly unlikely compared to the amazing, wonderful opportunities and experiences you can have daily. But for some, like me, it's very easy to focus on the fact that these great and beautiful events can come to an end quickly or can be overpowered by the fear of something terrible occurring to ruin it all.

I am terrified of feeling any sort of pain. Physical pain scares me, but emotional pain scares me even more. So for my entire life, I have avoided situations that could lead me to any severe emotional trauma. Of course, this hasn't saved me from experiencing terrible pain in my heart due to circumstances completely out of my control. I have always thought that if I avoid all of the emotional, sentimental, romantic crap, I can save myself from the pangs of heartbreak friends and family have described.

Of course, I didn't realize that by avoiding all of that, I was missing out on experiences that could bring me great happiness as well. Love, according to friends and family, can also be beautiful and fulfilling, and is something that everyone should experience at least once.

Fear is so overbearing and consuming, like most feelings. But fear is so easy to let control you because it convinces you that you are protecting yourself from harm that only exists in your head.

Those of you fearing natural human experiences, must learn, like I am learning, to stop letting fear control you. As that cliche quote says, "The only thing you must fear is fear itself." Fear is so powerful, and without noticing, you can miss out on hundreds of great days and memories you could have made if you hadn't been afraid to just go out and do that thing. I promise it is not at ALL as bad as you think it will be.

And even if it does end badly, you must remember: you can cherish the good that came from it and appreciate that you experienced it at all. I know it's so hard to think that way in the moment when you're feeling super sad about the end of something, but realize that you learned so much. Growth is the only thing that can come from any experience, especially a bad one. You can prepare yourself for the next one rather than just moping about it, letting it consume you and becoming a closed up little ball.

Go out and enjoy your life, facing your fears little by little.