say what you want to say.

Have you ever held all of your feelings in? I used to do it all of the time. I used to be a bottle of anxiety that was just ready to explode. I never talk about it, but when I was a teenager I had so much worry, self doubt, and fear within myself that I had no idea how to manage. I was able to hold down a job at McDonald's, but I literally felt like I was standing up in front of a crowd whenever I had to talk to someone. My stomach would tighten, palms begin sweating, heart started racing, and I would replay every thing I was going to tell that person over and over in my head and couldn't actually speak the words I wanted to say.

Thank goodness I was able to learn to love myself more, care less of what other's thought, and be brave. I think that all of this may have never happened had I not gotten pregnant so young.

 

Everything happens for a reason.

 

I knew I had to overcome all of my self doubt and worries to care for my child.

 

I was scared.

 

I became a CNA while I was 17 and pregnant which was a career that involved so much human interaction. It wasn't easy. But I very slowly began to have more confidence in myself.

More love for myself. For life.

I still am generally a quiet person until I get comfortable and familiar with people. I listen more than I speak. I still bite my tongue sometimes, but am so proud of myself when I reflect back to what I overcame.

This song by Sara Bareilles is so motivating. I have always loved her music, and this one has been on replay a lot that last couple days.

Can you put your fears aside, say what you want to say, and move on? In the end, all that really matters is that you lived a life that you loved.

Tell me, how big is your brave?

 

~Melissa