How many times have you told yourself you were going to get out there, try something new, and didn't?

How many times have you googled that really cool yoga studio or dance class only to not go because none of your friends wanted to go with you?

I've done this more times than I can probably remember, and I want to change that.

Maybe it's my anxiety, or maybe it's fear of judgment, but I can no longer allow those things to dictate how I not only perceive myself but how I perceive the world. There is so much to be learned by getting out of your comfort zone and embracing your fears.

I remember my first time riding the Philly subway. Everyone moves so quickly and knows exactly where they're going, and I was terrified of standing out as a tourist. Sweating profusely while trying to figure out how to put money onto a septa key card because I thought I was taking too long was almost as stressful as submitting a paper right at 11:59. Eventually, I took a deep breath, got on the platform and had the best day exploring the city.

Not only did I get to visit museums and eat the most delicious foods, but I also walked around with a confidence I hadn't had before. I had a sense of accomplishment because I reached towards my fear and let it give me an experience I wouldn't have had otherwise. While this might seem small and insignificant, it was a step in the right direction.

With this new semester kicking off, challenge yourself to go out and do that thing you said you always wanted to try. I know its hard to let go of fear but that's exactly why we need to embrace it. Fear doesn't go away so let's start using it to propel us towards what makes us happy, what keeps us driven, and what keeps us inspired! Happy exploring friends!