It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude. – Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance

I am very different from my family.  I have always been an adventurer, a wanderer. I have never looked for security  and I have always believed in myself.

Just the opposite of the lovely people who share my DNA.

From a very early age I  have listened to that voice deep within me. I have listened to it  when my mother, family and community wanted me to do something different. Wanted me to BE something different.

This voice has never failed me. It has never failed me. Not ever.

In the midst of life I heard my voice

This voice has allowed me to be fearless.

Fearlessness

Fearless is not reckless….. Sometime we forget that.

Guess what? You are courageous. We all are, deep at our source.

We sometimes just forget. I am here to remind you when you were 8 years old and invincible.

Step up and step out.

Do you remember all the things you used to talk about but never did?  Do them. Embrace them…step into them with deep abiding faith.

People stop learning when they become less willing to take a risk.

We must have courage to bet on our ideas, to take the calculated risk, and to act. Everyday living requires courage if life is to be effective and bring happiness.

Bet on yourself. Believe in the power of YOU.

Will you make mistakes?  Damn right.

The mistake itself is not important. Everyone makes mistakes! It is the conditions that led to the mistake which are most important. It is how we reflect on these conditions that determines the future value of the mistake. And it is how we grow, learn and change as a result of the mistake that can turn failure into success.

After all, the only true mistake is the one we never learn from

Say no to the illusion safety and security if it means closing off your heart, or your voice.

There is no security, only opportunity.

What if you were radical? What if you were bold?

What if you were brave?   What if you were fearless

This post is  part of  # Trust30 and was adapted from my new e-book Unconquerable: Words to help  start your day and start a movement! .  #Trust30 is an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages us to look within and trust ourselves. I will view each day’s writing through the lens of the social sector. In doing this I hope to learn lots about myself, this sector that I love and  share that with you all.  The Inspiration for this exercise is the celebration of  Emerson’s 208th birthday. In his honor The Domino Project has republished  Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson