Shine Bright

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Sometimes all the time I would be afraid to raise my hand in class when a teacher asked a question, even though I knew the answer. Instead of trusting myself, I always feared being wrong and being judged because of it, even though nothing ever happened if anyone else answered the question wrong. Looking back, I don't know why I never answered questions, what kept me from raising my hand. I didn't really have a valid reason other than this irrational fear of being wrong.

But what if I had answered? What if I had raised my hand, and answered correctly? Or even incorrectly. It would have showed that I was engaged, and that I cared. I think that I was still able to convey this through my body language (and note-taking), but I think it could have helped me so much.

I guess what I'm saying is that I don't really know what was holding me back, but if I can learn to overcome it, I could be so much better. Yes, I've graduated, but I feel like this could be applied more broadly, to life in general. I need to stop being so afraid. Because if I let go of this absurd, irrational fear of being wrong or looking stupid or not being perfect, then I can live life so much more fully. I can get the most out of life, which is something that I definitely feel like I'm not doing right now. I need to stop being so afraid of all the things that could go wrong, so I can start participating experiencing life-- so I can sparkle a little brighter.

The title of this post totally just got this song stuck in my head don't judge me.