Ever since I can remember I have been cursed with crippling anxiety which causes my brain to freak out in the simplest of situations. Most times I put on a brave face and suffer in silence. As I get older, the more I realize that you have to take risks to get to where you want to be and get out of your comfort zone to reach your goals.

I am always terrified. Whether its meeting new people, getting called on in class or being in a room with a large amount of people, my brain decides to think of the worst possible scenarios and freak me out about them. Every time I walk into a classroom, my brain goes "you are going to make a fool of yourself." Thank you for that encouragement, so helpful. Needless to say, in small situations, my brain decides to make them a scary big deal, even though I know that they're not.

I do not let my anxiety stop me from doing anything that I want to do. I like to take risks. I like to take my chances. I go after what I want, even if I have a low chance of achieving that goal, at least I know that I tried. I do not want to be wondering what if.

What if you did not even try? You could regret it for the rest of your life. What if you didn't apply for that job, or to that school? What if you didnt talk to the person you like? There are so many what ifs that you could be wondering for the rest of your life. I don't know about you, but those are chances that I do not want to take.

People will try to bring you down and discourage you. They will tell you that you cant do something, and that you are not strong enough or brave enough. PROVE. THEM. WRONG. There is nothing more satisfying than showing someone that you did something that they told you, you couldn't

You will fail sometimes. It is inevitable. You wont get certain jobs, you will get your heart broken, but that just gives you more opportunity to build yourself up. Pick yourself up and grow stronger and learn from the bad and negative situations. People will tell you no. Take it like a champ then prove them that they were wrong.

Being scared should not be a reason to not follow your dreams. Go after what you want no matter what and what is meant for you will come. Just have strength and patience.