How often do we consider our life as a mere block of time? Indeed, we refer to it as a lifetime, but it’s more than that—it’s a unique period that belongs solely to us, a canvas for growth and becoming.
Our lifetimes are inherently personal, granting us the freedom to shape them as we see fit. This freedom can be daunting, yet it also opens doors to exhilarating possibilities for learning and achievement.
Living in Courage
Admittedly, I haven’t always lived courageously. Fear has led me down some dark paths, leaving me feeling weaker than ever before. Yet, as I navigate through my lifetime, I’m learning to learn, discerning truths amidst trials. Some lessons are uplifting, others challenging, but each step is a vital part of the journey, filling me with gratitude for the gift of life.
Fear, however, looms large in life. What if we falter? What if everything we’ve built crumbles? What if we choose a path that leads to less happiness than another might have? The internet is awash with advice on the “best” ways to live—from exercising and eating to budgeting. But in the pursuit of these one-size-fits-all solutions, we often lose sight of what’s best for us individually, in alignment with our unique goals and circumstances.
Consider the conflicting advice on diet: one day, it’s six small meals; the next, it’s intermittent fasting. But if I’m thriving on smaller meals, energized for workouts, writing, and engaging conversations, why should I concern myself with the marginal gains of an alternative diet? If my routine brings me satisfaction and happiness, then it’s the right choice for me, regardless of popular opinion.
The most paralyzing fear is that of the unknown future—fear that inhibits action, leaving us unskilled, fragile, and ashamed. It’s the fear that denies us the chance to grow. Rather than avoiding mistakes, we should embrace them as opportunities to learn, to discover what works for us, and to build a foundation of self-assurance.
Fear of the unpredictable, like the stock market’s fluctuations, shouldn’t deter us from engaging with life. How else would we get strong enough to create a lifetime?
This post was edited with the help of an AI digital assistant, which provided suggestions for clarity and expression.