Wonderful things happen when we let go of fear.

6 weeks ago, I moved to Nashville, where I knew zero people. No besties, no family, no one – away from everything I’ve ever known. It’s safe to say that fear ruled my thoughts.

I was terrified. Before I left, I would overthink and overthink, and get bursts of panic whenever the thought of moving became real. The idea sounded amazing, but actually moving somewhere where I didn’t know anyone and didn’t have a firm foundation didn’t sit well. The night before I left I could barely sleep.

Would I be homesick? Or would I even enjoy myself? Would I die, or maybe get kidnapped?

Eventually, I dragged my booty into my car and made the 6-hour drive to Nash.

I made the move to a new city, and I was terrified.

I didn’t know my housemates well at all, but meeting them felt like a breath of fresh air. Still, I felt new, and scared, and I had no idea what this experience would entail.

And then things started to happen. I went to every single function I heard of. Get-togethers with people I barely knew, church, bible studies, you name it, I was going. I was put in a million group chats because I forced myself into them, and I am proud of that. The first week felt like sorority recruitment without the amount of people I was meeting for the first time.

Slowly but surely, friendships started getting deeper. Laughter got harder. And nights got longer. My summer wasn’t just bearable anymore – it was actually fun. Perhaps, it was the best summer I’d ever had.

Moving here has been 100x better than I ever thought. I remember looking at the end of June and going, man, if I can make it that far, I’ve done a great job. Now I am clinging to time because I don’t even want this summer to end. It’s funny how things change.

This summer has been everything and more than I could have ever imagined. I cannot believe how God provided for me here – with incredible friendships, an amazing internship, and nights I won’t forget. Here’s the thing though: if I would have given into fear, all of this wouldn’t have happened.

I would miss out on so much if I would have stayed in my comfort zone.

If I stayed in my own lil comfort zone, I would have never experienced such an incredible summer.

I wonder all of the things we miss out on, all the wonder, all the blessings, when we stay in our comfort zones. When we stay safe. When we don’t take that chance that could change everything.

Fear keeps us from living our best lives, fear doesn’t fit in the equation of God’s best for your life.

What are you afraid to do? Whatever it is, do it.

Of course, don’t do cocaine, because that very well could be an answer to that question. But whatever you’re afraid of – starting that business, ending that relationship, picking up and moving, changing your major, if you have a gut feeling – don’t let fear stop you from doing what you’re meant to do.

Here’s a question: WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE 10X BOLDER?

Every day, I do more things that scare me. I go onto highways where drivers are out for brawl and I gotta use my horn like it’s a weapon. I’ll walk to places alone and cling to my pepper spray. I go for things in my career here that I never would have before. In fact, tonight I am going to a party by myself. So doing things I’m afraid of is now like second nature.

I want to encourage you with this – you don’t have to let fear stop you from living the best life that’s out there for you. You don’t have to give in. Instead, you can lean into confidence, knowing that courage will never leave you disappointed. On the other side of boldness is a sweet reward. Go find it.