On Fear: YOU CAN CHANGE

My whole life, I have avoided doing things, even things I actually wanted or needed to do, because of fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of disappointment, but mostly fear of failure.

My whole life, I have known this was a problem, that things should not be this way, and yet I did little to change it. I simply accepted it as a part of who I was, and made my decisions accordingly: "No, I won't take that class. I probably wouldn't do well," or "I should really go talk to her; she looks lonely... but no, what if she doesn't like me?" Embarrassing, but true.

Only recently has my wonderful Shawn shown me that I can change. That life without fear is much happier, more fulfilling, and more enriched by a relationship with God. I have made extra efforts throughout the last few months to do things that scare me or make me nervous, and though the progress is molasses-slow, countless blessings have come of it.

I know that we all have fears. And it is okay to have those fears. The danger comes when you allow those fears to make your decisions for you. Rise above your fears, my friends, and do what you know is right. If there is no right or wrong in a situation, do what will make you happy. By living in fear, you pigeonhole yourself, limiting your potential growth and happiness.

Like I said, I am most definitely still working on this, myself. But you know what would make me happy? If my writing this post (which I was afraid to write) helped you to realize that you can change, too. You can overcome your fear with me. I know you can, because God made you able to change yourself. And He is always here to help.

Here are some things I couldn't have done if I'd let my fear get in my way: