That’s My Truth… or Dare

Read Time: 2 minutes

I dare you.

I dare you to find a space just for you. I dare you to tell everyone you love that you love them. I dare you to do something a little bit indulgent just because. I dare you to spend a few minutes just being grateful you are breathing. And, I dare you to see the beauty in all of it.

I got to a place in my shifting life where I could be daring. Where I found my spaces. Where everyone I love heard me say “I love you” so much more often. I got to a place where doing nice and indulgent things for myself felt good with no guilt. Most importantly, I got to a place where I’m grateful to exist. Where breathing is so amazing. It’s amazing when I’m calm and relaxed and when I’m out of breath from the beautiful physical movements of my body.

I got here because I dared myself. I dared myself to be better. Nothing happened quickly. The slow burn was definitely the way. It started with letting my emotions speak. I let the questions in. I asked myself big daring questions. Did I want to stay in school? Did I want to live with my parents? And smaller ones. Can I enjoy some time by myself? Am I ready to be a cat mom? I dared myself to find out. I dared myself to answer honestly.

Then, it was all of a sudden. All of a sudden, I answered. No, school wasn’t going to work. I want a place for myself. Being alone is not lonely. Walking away from not so great relationships is walking toward my freedom. Most importantly, appreciating the wonderful relationships was really easy. Once I chose truth, being daring became my opportunity.

I get a chance to act differently. When life is daring, there isn’t a voice in my head saying “wait, maybe people won’t like that or like me.” No voices tell me I shouldn’t try. Worst case scenarios don’t overwhelm me. My opportunity to live daring myself to find out, reach out, and stretch out can start in my twenties.

Why did I decide to dare myself? Because a life of what I was supposed to do wasn’t going to allow my true self to grow. I was stuck in anxiety and panic. I had to be daring. Only in the dare could I find my space, my love, my little indulgences, and my breath. The air I breathe is daring me to breathe in and out and leap.

Taking a deep breath, here I go…

Check out “Fly” on the Poems page!