An old nun I dearly love once leaned in close and whispered a single word into my ear just as I was standing on the edge of one of the biggest decisions of my life: Courage.
At the time, her words wrapped around me like a warm blanket, comforting, but not quite taken seriously. For years, I tucked that word away like a keepsake—something to take out and admire occasionally but never really use. Only recently have I realized just how powerful that one whispered word was. It wasn’t just advice; it was a key. A key to unlock a door I’d been too scared to even knock on. My only regret is that I didn’t take it to heart sooner.
Looking back, I see that fear was the invisible thread that ran through every choice I made. Fear of failing, fear of being judged, fear of messing up spectacularly—or even just a little bit. It was all too easy to let fear call the shots. But last night, I watched The Wrecked Life… it felt more like my life story, honestly), and like Agathe, I realized I’d spent too much of my time holding back, waiting, bracing for disaster. And as a result, I never really lived.
These days, though, I’ve decided enough is enough. I’m not letting fear have the remote control of my life anymore. And surprise, surprise—life is actually a lot more fun this way! I’ve stopped going out with friends out of obligation, and now I go because I genuinely enjoy it. Even the simple things, like cleaning the house, have become… well, I won’t say thrilling, but at least mildly amusing. (Seriously, who knew that mopping the floor to a dance playlist could be so satisfying?) Just watch my 75 year old friends do it!
I’m even getting used to this strange, relaxed version of myself. For years, I carried tension in every muscle, like I was preparing for an earthquake that never came. Now, it feels like I’ve traded that twisted, stressed-out body for something far more comfortable—and I’m learning to settle into it, like breaking in a new pair of shoes.
And driving! Once upon a time, the thought of heavy traffic gave me cold sweats and sleepless nights. But now? I see traffic jams as a chance to practice patience (and to catch up on my favorite podcasts). It’s no longer something to dread—it’s just another part of the adventure.
So here’s to courage. To finally letting go of fear. To stepping fully into life, even if it means dancing with a mop or singing in traffic.
So beautiful. I love this.