How to tell fear to do one

Life can be a pretty intimidating and daunting ride.

In our twenties, it’s unlikely we have any sense of direction, we are all pretty broke and we probably spend the majority of our free time crying 'WHY ME WHYYY' having necked about ten tequilas the night before. Ok, so the latter might just be me, but when life’s path isn’t fully laid out for us, anxiety can take over.

Where will we be in five years time? Are we ever going to pay off the debt we owe? Or find that one person who makes nothing else really matter to save us growing old with cats? (Crazy cat lady is my middle name, hi.) Yes, life can be pretty scary and there are many experiences that lie ahead that are bound to make our hearts skip a beat or stomachs turn twice over. But I’m certain that it’s the things that scare us the most, which are the most empowering once overcome.

In my opinion, if you’re not shitting yourself, you’re not experience something new.

No, I’m not talking playing ‘chicken’ on the reg, or watching a horror film every night. I’m talking purposely placing yourself in what might be an awkward, uncomfortable, or nerve-wracking situation, as an opportunity to grab by the balls and show who’s boss.

We all have individual fears and anxieties, from something as small as going on a blind date to the contemplation of moving away or travelling alone. I’ve been lucky enough to face some of my fears head on, and though often not easy, the feeling that prevails having tackled and overcome those fears, far surpasses the initial worries. After all, there’s nothing a girl can’t achieve without a good set of brows and a pair of sassy pants.

If you put yourself in an uncomfortable situation, you may surprise yourself. And if not, at least you’ve got a funny story to tell (we’ve all heard about my awful dates and lonesome wine drinking experiences, after all).

To my mother who travelled across Vietnam and who has been a new woman ever since, to my friend who upped and moved to the other side of the world all on her own, or to my friend who actively chose to run the marathon and raise money for a charity close to her heart. We could all take a bit of inspiration from the people around us who have battled their nerves and anxieties head on and achieved something, that without fear, would not be as meaningful.

I’m bloody excited for the future and I have absolutely no idea what it will entail. The unknown can be scary, but it also provides us with the opportunity to mould it into whatever we want. So act on the thing that’s scaring you right now. Whether it’s pitching an idea you have to your seniors, booking a trip that you’ve always wanted to do, or voicing something you’ve had bottled up. Hold your middle finger up to vulnerability and just go and bloody do it already.  In the long term, you won’t regret it.