What Have You Done Today That Scares You? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

What Have You Done Today That Scares You?

Be bold and fearless. Be you.

441
https://pxhere.com/en/photo/765698
Photo by Josh Hild on Unsplash

This summer, I was able to practice driving a lot more. I've had my license for over a year but there was one thing I had yet to conquer: the freeway. I had only been on it about three times in total since I initially got my permit. (I put off learning how to drive and let my permit expire the first time around.)

The car I drive is a janky '96 Toyota Corolla Wagon, and she's got her issues. One of the windows will not roll down at all; the radio broke so it was removed…classy, right; she likes to stall on you sometimes when you're stopped at a light; and the car is just old so it doesn't exactly make me feel safe while driving.

My mom kept pestering me to learn how to drive on the freeway and I kept saying no, no, no. I felt sick to my stomach every time I knew I had to drive, though, because I felt guilty for purposely avoiding the freeway. I was only prolonging the issue at hand and hindering myself by limiting my freedom.

Why was I so scared in the first place? I felt like I could not do something like driving on the freeway because it was scary and my mind obsessively dissected the "what ifs." Thus, I adapted the mentality that I, in fact, could notdrive on the freeway.

On a seemingly random day, it occurred me that, actually, I was capable of doing this one thing and I just had to summon the courage from within.

The next time I did errands, – by myself, I might add – I gave myself a pep talk in the car and took the route down to the freeway. Just like that. And as simple as getting onto the freeway and (mediocrely) merging into the first lane was, I felt very liberated.

I thought, I'm capable. I'm capable of doing things that scare the hell out of me and driving on the freeway is just the beginning.

I decided I wanted to almost always choose the option that scared me over the usual of staying in my comfort zone. Since then, I try and do something every day that sparks a little fear in my heart, as small as talking in class to something much bigger like running for president of my apartment complex.

I am both timid and cautious by nature, so venturing into the unknown is terrifying. But I know that I can do it and exploring my limits, which might not even exist, helps me grow as a person and furthers my character. Also, the adrenaline rush I get from attempting the menacing is a reward in itself.

Once you decide that you, too, want to try and do something foreign to you, you will see a difference in your self-confidence. You will know how capable you are of accomplishing what you put your mind to. On a side note, I understand how incredibly cheesy and cliche a lot of this sounds but, per usual, it comes from the heart.

It is important to understand that what you do is not the most significant factor; driving on the freeway is not impressive, let's be honest. This whole process of confronting your fears is about teaching your mind to act more spontaneously so that you can become more unapologetically you. Doing things that scare you is about building yourself and opening yourself up to the world around you.

At the end of every day, ask yourself, "What did I do today that scares me?" If you can answer, be proud of yourself and do something brand new tomorrow (or do the same thing, depending on your level of fear). If you can't answer, do your best to try something tomorrow that you can be proud of. Start small and remember to celebrate your progress just as much as you embrace your failures.

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

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

140833
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

34065
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

30611
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments