Many things scare us, and some are well justified. For example, I’m scared of running through traffic with my eyes closed, and I am glad I have this fear because it prevents me from doing something potentially deadly. However, so many other things we are afraid of are actually preventing us from living a fuller life. Almost all of us fear the unexpected, the unknown or chaos, but they have the potential to become the source of amazing adventures. It’s scary to meet new people, it’s scary to be away from your family for a prolonged period of time and it is scary to challenge yourself. If we don’t take this risk, though, we don’t grow and eventually we become less happy and satisfied. Have the strength to look into the limitless potential of the unknown, and with fear and all, dive into its depths.
Third, appreciate what you have. It is one of the truest sayings, “you never know what you have until you don’t.” Be thankful for what you have. Gratefulness doesn’t mean that you have to settle for anything, it just means recognizing the extreme fortune of living where you do, with the people that you do and in the way that you do. Not only does it make you protect and cherish what you have, but it also allows you to help those who might not be as fortunate.
And lastly, help those around you. If there is anything that creates happiness and meaning, it is lending a hand to those who need it. Be a source of responsibility for yourself and others. This can manifest from helping your friend study to brushing your teeth every day. I try to frame my life with this goal in mind. Whether I am in France or the United States, there is always I lend a hand to.
So here we are, at the end of an adventure together.
