Because one of my main goals is to inspire you, each week I will be posting about a positive personal experience as part of an ongoing series I’ve named Inspiring Ideas. Now on to this week’s topic…
Sara Bareilles released her newest single, Brave, earlier this week. She is one of my absolute favorite artists of all time. A quick dose of honesty: Brave has been on repeat all.week.long. I’m obsessed because it represents so clearly exactly how I want to live my life.
The most ironic fact about this post is I rarely think of myself as being brave. It always catches me off guard when it comes to someone else’s mind because I simply go out and DO. I’ve learned that life is worth living and fears are worth facing. With the hope that something I’ve done might inspire you, here are some of the things I’ve experienced:
- I learned how to ski with my best friend on a whim four years ago. Even though I’ve gotten hurt, there are few things more freeing than flying down a mountain.
- I loathe flying. I don’t even like going to airports. But I go, and I get on planes because the destination is always worth it.
- I send e-mails to people I admire because getting a response is one of the greatest feelings ever. I also routinely attend events where I know I might not know a sole because learning that you’re no longer shy is worth it.
- My hair is really curly, and I used to be made fun of for it. When I was in high school, I decided to embrace it. I rarely straighten my hair, and I also routinely go out without makeup.
- I once met a college acquaintance for the first time in the middle of a train station because she invited me to go to the MTV Video Music Awards with her. I gained a friend that night, walked a red carpet, and danced as part of Taylor Swift’s performance. It was a night I will never, ever forget.
- I battled worry, fear, and anxiety, and I can count on one hand the number of people who knew I was struggling. But I was fiercely determined to win because panic cannot rule your life.
- I fight for what I believe in even if it means not doing what is popular. Being true to who you are is far more important.
- I will participate in a half marathon in December even if I can’t quite run 13.1 miles. The point is to finish even if I have to walk part of it.
- I’ve gone to New York City numerous times by myself and with friends to work and have fun. No matter how large, that city will make you feel like Carrie Bradshaw even if you don’t always know where you’re going.
- I pressed “publish” on this blog with the hope that someone might read it. There’s a community of you now, and that lights my heart on fire.
I’ve learned that…
Photo via Pinterest
…and sometimes being completely uncomfortable makes you more comfortable being you. What have you done that’s brave? I want to know!
As you know, I’ve done many “brave” things, including learning how to ski with you and jumping out of planes. One of my favorite sayings, from a cheesy motivation tape we had to listen to for swimming, is “get comfortable being uncomfortable.” There will always be situations that make you uncomfortable and force you to push yourself. But feeling uncomfortable doesn’t always mean it’s bad, sometimes it just new or different or risky or exciting – as all the best things in life are.
You are one of the bravest people I know. You make me want to do things! Thanks for being you, Hills.
Carly! I adore this post. So much. I too have curly hair and straighten is ALL of the time – need to embrace the curls more. Totally love the idea of going to NYC by myself. Sure it is so empowering. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much for commenting, Caitlin! Embrace those curls, girl! : )
My current greatest accomplishment is commenting on your blog. I am not a great computor person. This has brought me out of my isolation. Having no self esteem, I isolate better than anyone.
Well, I think you’re wonderful. You have the ability to make people laugh until they cry, which is my favorite thing about you.
This post is AWESOME. I relate so much to so many of the items on your list. And I’m hoping to run (walk?) a half marathon this year, too!!
Thank you so much, Emma! I’m so excited for you and your run!