letters in the box

for when you're scared

Don't be ashamed, it's okay to be afraid, or scared, or maybe you're nervous or anxious; whatever it is, it's okay, it's a normal part of life to be scared.

I guess it all depends on what you're scared of, if it's something dangerous, then I guess it isn't okay, because you could potentially get hurt.

If it's something like a presentation in front of a huge crowd, or even just a small class, those scare the hell out of me too. That's when it's okay to be scared, but maybe you don't want to show it. Whenever I go through something like that, it always end up with something going wrong, or I get a huge dry throat and cough for a million years, or starts off with my CRUSH sitting front and center. That's always the worst. It's now or never, and it's for a grade most of the time, so you have to do it. Just be prepared, knock it out of the park, and most importantly, if you are nervous, pretend to be confident and then everyone else will believe you are. You can do it.

If you're scared of something a little more serious, I would tell someone.. No one can help, and no one can make it go away if you don't share your discomfort with someone you trust.

If you're scared of someone then you should REALLY share with a fellow trusted adult.

Everyone gets scared, you're not the only one who has fears...

I get scared to go to school everyday, I have social anxiety and I hate being out of my comfort zone. You know what helps me? My imagination. I start writing in my head, and creating a world of my own. Writing is safer, somehow, than talking. Because my pen cannot stutter like my lips do, and words get stuck in throats, not fingertips. I can't stumble on paper trails of blue lines because writing is definite and clear and no one can tell if I'm crying or laughing through written words alone. I also sing music in my head, my favorite songs, my favorite artist, or I'll remember a movie or a tv show that made me laugh; its a distraction, but it totally can brighten your mood.

Find your happy place and get lost. (But don't get too distracted where you loose half a page of notes and get behind in class) It's a win-lose situation.

Countdown in your head, only five more minutes...only an hour. One. More. Day.

My countdown always restarts, over and over, but I'm satisfied because I get through it. I'm proud I can do just that. Just keep swimming, like Dory says in Finding Nemo. It's weird where you can find comfort in a movie quote.

If you're afraid, don't avoid it. Face it head strong. Don't let fear control you, don't let it define you, and don't let it consume you.

" Being scared " is an adjective to describe your feeling, not to describe YOU.

Find something to make it a little easier. Maybe it's a good group of friends that can make you smile, or a song that can just make you wanna dance, or it's a movie you can recite EVERY line to, whatever it may be, don't hide.

Does it really get better? Or do we just get used to it?

—- 

You can request a certain letter from the box if you're ever needing some advice or thoughts for a certain something