Braveheart

One thing we all think from time to time is that we should be braver. We’ve all felt it, we’ve all chided ourselves for sitting there frozen and letting some small moment pass us by because we were fearful.  We should stop letting stupid, irrational fears hold us back, and keep us from experiencing many of life's little joys. We should stop listening to our brain when it tells us we're no good, or we will look foolish, or that it's just not worth it. We should ignore our terror posing as instinct when it tries to convince us that we are doing the right thing by passing up an opportunity to do something we really want to do.  The fear tells us that we are being wise, that we are being careful, that we are avoiding an unnecessary risk.  So what if our hands shake for a moment, or if our voice cracks when we utter the first few words to a stranger or sing the first few bars of a song?  Who cares if we look silly for a second or two?  What is wrong with asking for help or directions, or just not knowing what exactly to do?  That’s how we learn, and one day we can help someone along when they aren’t sure how to go about some new thing that they are trying.  
The sad thing is, there are many many times that we are not afraid at all.  We should look at all the other things we do each and every day that proves that we are not afraid. Things that others look at with jealousy in their heart, and they wish they could be as brave and as fearless as us. We should see ourselves as strong, and fierce, and capable, because we are. We all do brave things everyday without even noticing or giving ourselves credit, then turn around and slink away from something because we don't recognize our own accomplishments or see the bravery in ourselves. We don't realize that we are all warriors, and we overcome incredible things that no one ever sees, but that doesn't make them any less valid or us any less spectacular.
And what of those times when we do stare down that fear, when we stride right past it and take all its power away and leave it back there somewhere in the dark?  That’s when we shine and that’s when we are filled with joy and purpose and the exhilaration of knowing that we didn’t let anything hold us back.  We have that opportunity nearly every day.  At that moment, when the wind is in our hair, or when no one can take their eyes off of us out of respect or awe or even envy, when we are free and glorious and just so glad to be alive.  You smile so purely and you realize that the smile is meant only for you, the risk was always worth it.  Always.