Being an adult is scary. Sometimes as an adult, you have to do things you never thought you would or things you’re afraid of. Maybe you’re scared to accept the responsibility of that promotion or petrified of living alone. These things can be terrifying, but in order to grow, you have to face your fears.

I’ve always been afraid to leave my hometown. And ever since I was eight years old, I’ve been terrified of living alone.

As a child, I grew up in a tiny neighborhood where we never locked our doors just outside of a tiny town where everyone knew everyone else. I grew attached to my little town and my little life at a very young age and even on the worst of days I was always able to find reasons to love this place. But I grew up and I knew I couldn’t stay tucked away in my safe little bubble forever.

I wasn’t afraid to move to Bloomington and I wasn’t afraid of school, but the opportunities it brought with it were terrifying.

I’ve left my quiet corner of the world more in the past two years than I have in my entire life.

I’ve been in big cities (which I’ve afraid of).

I’ve driven on major multi-lane highways and freeways (which I’m afraid of).

I’ve flown on airplanes (which, you guessed it, I’M AFRAID OF).

I’ve met people from all over the country that I can truthfully and honestly call my friends because I had the courage to face my fears.

Take it from me, once you’ve had a little taste of that joy from doing something you’ve always been afraid of you’ll always want more.

This past year I’ve done more things on my own than I thought I ever would. I looked my anxiety in the face and told it off. I got my first piercing alone, I’ve gone to salons (rather impulsively) alone which freaked me out because: HELLO, ANXIETY! I took on extreme responsibility. From living alone to looking to buy my first house, all of these challenged fears changed me.

I’m happier now at the age of 23 than I’ve ever been in my entire life. I’ve taken control of my life and the things that seemed so scary before look so small now. I’m a better person because I didn’t back down or say I couldn’t do something that I knew was within my reach. If anyone were to ask me what changed, I’d have to say that I’m no longer afraid — I’m brave.