Merriam-Webster dictionary defines fear as “an unpleasant, often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger.”
People, by nature, tend to live within the bounds of their comfort zone. They often contemplate whether taking a leap of faith will reap positive or negative results. Unfortunately, the popular decision is one made out of fear. In order to live life to the fullest, people can not give way to this dreadful emotion.
How often has the friend who backed out of going skydiving, talking to a pretty girl or boy, or even trying that new food regretted their decision? Too many times. The average American citizen lives up to 78 years. Life is too short.
Yes, sometimes there are instances where making the safe decision can obviously save some heartache and pain, but that is not always the case. So many things can be accomplished on a leap of faith. William Shakespeare once said, “Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.” When an opportunity is not taken because of anxiety, every possible good outcome is forfeited.
“Nothing worth having comes easy” is something that parents tell their children, “Just do it” has been the motto for Nike since 1988, and famous country singer Tim McGraw even recorded the words “live like you were dying” into one of his hit songs. All three of these quotes speak out against fear.
Sometimes living in fear becomes a habit- people do not even realize they are making decisions out of doubt. However, this ideology needs to be shunned by society. Hellen Keller stated, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Choose to take the daring adventure and see what is possible.
by Bryce Dupree
