Fear
Fear. The one universal feeling we barely allow ourselves to simply express. When the truth is, we’re all scared of something, deep down inside – each one of us. There will always be something that we don’t know. Or something we’ll hardly be able to control. Or some idea we’ve falsely been made to believe about the things we feel. There will always be a hidden fear behind the things we do.
A fear of screwing up. A fear of failure. A fear of heartbreak. A fear of rejection. A fear of exposing our vulnerable sides. A fear of being misjudged. A fear of no longer being worthy of love. And it’s okay to experience this. What’s not okay is to not allow ourselves to talk about it, and to sometimes not even acknowledge its existence altogether.
Every time someone opens up to me about how they were only giving me a hard time on a certain something just because they were scared, I realize I can find it in me to really forgive. And every time I look at myself in the mirror and gather enough strength to admit that I, too, am scared, I realize I’m able to forgive myself a little more for all the things I keep running away from. Every time we let people in on the things we fear, we’re able to breathe better. We’re able to feel better, and we’re able to live much, much better.
It’s not easy. But if you happen to come across that one person you can comfortably cry your fears out to, hold on to them. Very tight. Tell them about how scary it sometimes gets to live inside your head. Tell them how terrifying your thoughts can sound. Tell them you’re scared and allow them to make you feel safe again.
If, however, you still haven’t found that person, then be it. Be that person to those around you. Be that pat on the shoulder and that silent hug. You have no idea how much everyone around desperately needs it.
