No one is ever totally safe from harm. No matter how cautiously we live our lives, occasionally we will get physically or emotionally hurt. Knowing and anticipating this, we may suffer anxiety, continually worrying about what terror will strike next. Hoping to avoid calamity, we cling to familiar patterns that seems secure. Even so, we remain afraid.

Instead of living constantly afraid, we can find some comfort in the act of turning toward our fear. Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to face its presence. Running scared is much like trying to cross an unfamiliar room in the dark. When we turn the light on first, we learn what the obstacles are.

Independence isn’t living without support from others; it is developing the capacity to adequately care for ourselves instead of childishly clinging to others for protection. With some courage and independence we can indulge in curiosity and improvise a colorful, adventuresome lifestyle, all without putting ourselves needlessly and recklessly at risk.

Facing our fears saves us from suffering needless anxieties.