Life tends to take dramatic twists and turns despite our attempts to control its events. Whether it is planning a long trip abroad, taking the next steps in purchasing a new home, or starting a new job, somewhere along the journey there are bound to be a few bumps in the road that are simply unavoidable. Rather than seeing the possibility of running into these bumps and backing out of the journey completley, it is important to embrace the difficult journey that lies ahead, because the result is far too rewarding to simply pass on by.

At first glance, the road to a new journey may seem rather intimidating. There can be forks where decisions have to be made, large hills that seem almost too large to climb up, or sharp turns that are bound to spin the mind out of control. Nervous feelings manifest here, starting in the chamber of the stomach with butterflies and working their way up to the brain where they run amok and question every recent decision that has led to this point.

Suddenly, the brain becomes clouded with thoughts. What am I doing here? Where am I going? Am I making the right decision?

These thoughts are the voice of fear, something that rests deep within us but manifests during times of change. In the beginning, it may seem that fear is attempting to sabotage feelings of happiness. However, the only job that fear has is to warn and to protect.

Suppressing anxious feelings is dangerous and can be detrimental to mental health. Keeping fear trapped inside will only lead to inner turmoil and distress. Stress will build up, and suddenly the journey ahead becomes unexciting and disinteresting.

Instead of keeping it locked inside, it is encouraged to express this fear. Expressing fear is not a sign of weakness, rather feeling fearful communicates the ability to be alive and to feel emotions.

Fear is simply a reaction to a situation to which we feel is out of our control; a situation that has been inexperienced and is brand new. However, it is how we use this reaction to better our experiences in the future.

Be unapologetic for the emotions that you are inclined to express.

Never listen to those who tell you that showing emotion is a sign of weakness. That feeling and trusting with your heart is foolish or futile. Because it is those who embrace all of their emotions that end each day feeling an incredible amount of gratefulness and bravery for the ability to feel, naturally and true.