"To Thine Own Self Be True"

I'm lucky enough to be in a position that allows me to 'keep it real' in all aspects of my life. I'm blessed to work with young adults as they navigate the opportunity to explore and define who they are as they become independent individuals and interdependent members of society. Part of interacting with these young adults is have 'life' conversations. I can say without a doubt, we 'keep it real' when we talk about life. 
After two days of similar 'life' conversations, I was reminded of two overarching themes that sprinkle my daily interactions. The first, be true to you. The second, fear. 
With the first theme, the key is not being afraid to hide who you are. You should be proud to share your values and goals. You should have confidence in your opinions and emotions. Internal complexities and struggles complicate self-identity. 
Fear is multidimensional. Primarily, fear of the unknown, while fear of judgement and support also having major influences. So much is unknown. Not knowing exactly what YOU want. Not knowing how your decision will evolve and affect your future. Not knowing if others will have the reaction you most desire. Not knowing if you will end up hurt or happy. Not knowing. After struggling with the questions of the unknown, you still have to grapple with questions of judgement and support. Will others think less of me for the decisions I've made for MY happiness, passion and goals? I care about the opinion and support of others. Will they stand by my side as I make these decisions that are 'right' for me 'right' now? Then to compound the weight already on your shoulders, you have the countless thoughts running through your head how the different answers to all these questions will create varying situations you will have to react to in the moment. It is the complexities created by external sources that complicate fear.
Life is not simple. You do not learn by taking the easy path. Take a leap of faith to live a good life, a life of adventure, exclamation and enthusiasm. Embrace life and maximize your happiness by being true to yourself.  

"Above all, be true to yourself, and if you cannot put your heart in it, take yourself out of it." 

"We all have a fear of the unknown what one does with that fear will make all the difference in the world." ~Lillian Russell 

"Growth means change and change involves risk, stepping from the known to the unknown." 

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do." ~Eleanor Roosevelt "A dream is your creative vision for your life in the future. You must break out of your current comfort zone and become comfortable with the unfamiliar and the unknown." ~Denis Waitley 

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~Dr. Seuss