You might not be fearless, few of us are, but you can be brave. Being brave means doing things that scare you.

Everything is difficult when you’ve never done it. Everything gets easier with practice and experience.

We are in charge of our own lives, and we can change how we behave and approach the world.

Those three things are what led me to go from sitting in my room never interacting with my neighbours, to seemingly outgoing, stopping to speak with people on the street, suggesting activities with colleagues etc. It’s still not natural to me and i must decide to do it every time, but it’s easy and not as scary now that I’m used to it.

One big caveat though: I didn’t start this evolution until I moved out from a repressive situation. I didn’t even consider that I could. Being repressed and oppressed makes you lose sight of yourself, your strength, your opportunities and possibilities for growth - your potential.

But you HAVE potential, and you CAN start this journey right now: Say something about the weather to a cashier. Ask someone at the bus stop where they got their scarf. Ask a stranger at the store if they recommend chunky or smooth peanut butter. Practice small social interactions outside of your home.

Do the scary thing because you know you need it and you know practice is the only way to learn. Be scared and brave.

Being older makes it easier to care less, but only if you practice caring less when you’re younger. It doesn’t happen if you don’t want it and don’t work towards it.