Quote of the Week: “The only way to learn…”

Happy Monday! As we enter this new week, each of us has hopes, goals, and fears. Unfortunately, our fears can often hinder us from achieving our goals. We want to find friends, but we’re afraid no one will like us, which is why we make excuses not to go out. We want to make things right with family members, but we fear confrontation, which is why we never make amends. We want to land our dream job, but we’re too afraid that we won’t make enough money doing what we love. We stick to the nine-to-five that’s safe, but we’re not happy or fulfilled. The list goes on. Sometimes, however, we should do what scares us, and that’s what this week’s quote implies.

“The only way to learn is to live.”

Matt Haig, The Midnight Library

Making mistakes comes with living, but thankfully, we can learn from those failures. Don’t let your fear of failing stop you from growing.

These past few weeks, I have been submitting my writing to literary journals, and it has been a terrifying experience. I’m handing off my precious work, which I poured my heart into, only to have strangers read it, judge it, and possibly reject it. Sometimes, it seems a lot safer for me to keep my writing to myself, but my wonderful family encouraged me to submit my work. They reminded me that even if my work gets rejected, I’ll still be able to learn from the experience.

I want to encourage you today the same way my family encouraged me. It’s okay if not everyone likes you. Make amends with your family even when you’re shaking in fear. Don’t let financial worries stop you from pursuing the career you’d love. Learn the difference between unhealthy fear and prudence. Surround yourself with those who will support you no matter what.