Being Bold in a Discouraging World

bold
bəʊld/
adjective

1. 1.
   (of a person, action, or idea) showing a willingness to take risks; confident and courageous.

Learning to accept yourself in a world that’s constantly throwing doubt at you, introducing you to new ways to compare yourself to others and romanticising the notion that perfect is the new normal, is a difficult thing to achieve. Often what we see online gives us the idea that so many people live these luxurious lives, with absolutely no worries or insecurities. But in all honesty, everyone, everywhere, struggles with something. No matter how big or small, there’s a battle being fought by every person right now. As humans, and in the society we live in, we have a damn good way of masking the things about ourselves we consider ‘not good enough’ or essentially, imperfect. And truthfully, it’s tiring.

There have been countless times where I’ve seen something or someone and my first thought is: why don’t I have that or look like that? or why am I too afraid to to do something like that? The answer is simple: I’m too scared of what society will think and I’m definitely not confident enough to embrace my individual traits that are unique to me. How messed up is that? Why do we think that no matter what we do we’ll never be as good as the next person? It’s something I have been thinking about a lot lately because there is so much that I want to do in this world, in my lifetime, that requires me to step out of this mindset. Comfort zones are amazing, but they’re not going to grow you. And no matter how much you deny it, the boldness within you can’t do much if it’s not given the opportunity to be released.

Maybe I’m the only one who feels like this, but I like to think that there are other souls in the world who are trying just as hard to believe in themselves and their boldness. The world is tough as it is, there’s no need to add more pressure to ourselves to fit its standards! Especially when those standards are unrealistic and discouraging of anything other than flawless. I think to own what you have to offer the world, rather than searching for new ways to try change what you’ve got, is so much more powerful than what society has to say about it.

When nothing in life is promised, it’s important to try be the best damn version of yourself. Some days are easier than others, some days you might feel more confident than yesterday, and that’s also okay. That’s part of life. Acknowledging that is part of your boldness journey – that’s how I see it. I remember when I was younger, I was so passionate about wanting to do something about global warming (random, I know. But stick with me). I was so worried about climate change and the environment that I used to think of ways in which I could contribute a little bit, even if it was just making flyers to create awareness. Looking back now I wish I had had the confidence to carry through my passion to help, but I lacked the boldness I so wish I had. In a way I’m proud of that girl who felt so strongly about wanting to make a difference. It’s been on my mind quite a bit, and I’m slowly becoming brave enough to share my boldness with the world.

Every time I write something motivational or ‘feel good’ I always have to remind myself (and I feel like I have to share on here too) that things are a lot easier said than done. I shouldn’t have to say this though, because everyone’s aware of it already I suppose. But these things can be done – you can learn to accept yourself, you can learn to love others, you can learn to forgive, you can learn to focus on the good, you can do that thing you’ve always wanted to but have been afraid of, you can be bold even in a world that makes it difficult. We just have to remind ourselves of these can’s as often as possible.

What are your thoughts on being bold in today’s world?