I fear many things.

Heights. Enclosed spaces. Failure. Rejection. A world devoid of books and gummy bears. A zombie-filled apocalypse. Running out of time. Becoming invisible.

Fear has been a constant companion throughout my life. A gut-wrenching, stomach-churning unseen force that makes my mind race with questions. A voice that plagues me with what-ifs.

Terri Cole spoke about this ‘Mind Mafia’ over at Tiny Buddha and she has gotten me thinking about this concept of living fearlessly. I dove into the post with a healthy dose of scepticism because the idea of being fearless has always seemed idealistic.

Is being fearless even possible?

I don’t know.

But I think that you and I, we can try. Being fearless does not mean you approach your fears with unwavering courage. It does not mean that you go in with your chest out, guns blazing and capes flying.

Being fearless is second-guessing yourself and being vulnerable. It is not knowing what the future will hold. It’s two steps forward, one step back. It’s looking at your terrifying bank balance and your unpaid bills. It’s feeling overwhelmed looking at your to-do list. It’s wondering ‘Why am I doing this?’ and ‘Is this worth all the grief?’.

…. and then going for it with sweaty palms and a racing heart.

It is hitting ‘Publish’ when you are wondering if people are listening to you. It is pursuing your dreams when you are told it’s ‘safer’ to get a normal job. It is speaking your mind even when your voice shakes.

Understand that fear is a very real feeling, stop running away from it and start acknowledging your fears – write them down if you have to. Instead of letting fear define every action you take try to look at it in a rational and systematic manner. Be present now. Avoid being stationary, connect with people, be alert and open.

Identify your fear but don’t allow yourself to be shaped by it.

Tell me, are you ready to be FEARLESS? What is the most courageous thing you’ve done?

Nuzaifa Hussain

What Does It Mean to Be Fearless?