This I Believe - Briley Douglas

Throughout my teen years, fear has crippled me. I have been scared to try new things, scared to put myself out there, and scared to be my true self. When the opportunity would arise to step out of my comfort zone, the fear of being judged would stop me in my tracks and have me retreat back. I have always been jealous of those who live their life with no worry about what others may think. They do what makes them happy and they’re proud to be who they are. This should be a way of living for everyone. I believe that everyone should strive to get out of their comfort zone and live life to the fullest.
For years I was okay with staying in the safe limits of my comfort zone, but one day it changed. I didn’t have a life-changing event that made me reevaluate my life, I simply decided that I was tired of being discontent with my life and was in need of a change. People are so quick to complain about their life
and do nothing to fix it, and I wasn’t going to be one of those people. I made up my mind that I was going to surround myself with friends who truly made me happy, be who I want to be, and stop settling for less. I started to make small changes in my life. Instead of feeling like I had to be friends with everyone, I made my friend group smaller. I started to read more because I love to read but used to be scared of what others would think of me. Daily, I continue to try new things,  become more confident in myself, and strive to live my life to the fullest because I know I’m not promised tomorrow.
Life’s too short to hold back out of fear. If you want to wear revealing outfits, then wear them and be proud. If you want to wear clothes that are two sizes too big, then wear them and be proud. Don’t let the words of others stop you from being yourself. Don’t be afraid to speak out about what you believe in out of fear of upsetting others. No matter what you say someone will disagree with you, so speak your mind and speak it loudly. You’re never promised tomorrow so stop safety netting your life and settling for lukewarm. We are only given a limited time on this Earth, so why not live a life we deserve.