Fearlessness

“I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing that I wanted to do.”

― Georgia O’Keeffe

Fearlessness is never about being unafraid, it is about moving forward into the scary places, despite the fear.

When I first started really studying the work of O’Keeffe, I was drawn to the beauty of her desert landscapes. The openness of the skies, the amazing textures and colors, it all seemed like an alien world in comparison to my own.

I wanted to see those skies. 
And so, years later, I went ahead and finally planned my own trip. Now, keep in mind, this was my first time on a plane, my first time this far from home, and my first time taking a trip without anyone else close by me.
I was never more frightened.
And I never felt so alive.

Touching down in Albuquerque for the first time, was an experience I can not describe. I was exhilarated and completely alone. I was stepping so far outside of my own boundaries that I felt someone might try and stop me.
But no one ever did.
And I never stopped feeling the desire to leave the confines of my own safety net, despite my constant fear of the unknown. You see, I am a creature of habit and comfort. I love my little Hobbit hole and it’s safety. Like Bilbo Baggins, I would insist that, “I have no use for adventures. Nasty, disturbing, and uncomfortable things.” BUT, when I decide to push beyond the those ideas of being uncomfortable and disturbed, I find my place of fearlessness.

For me, travel, and exploring new places has become my way of growing past the confines I’ve built around myself. I want to always push myself further, and touch upon the places that are difficult for me to be at ease. This does not mean I want to search out that which is harmful, but instead I want to continue to find the unknown places inside of my heart that I have yet to enter.

She was so warm
by the fire,
tea cup in hand
and a book upon her lap.
Somewhere
she heard the howl
of a wolf,
or perhaps a dragon,
and she shivered
with fear and…
delight?
What was that sound?
Surely, she must find out!
What good is waiting here
to be consumed
when she can open the door
and look the predator
square in the eye?

Throwing on
her warmest coat
and shouldering
her bag of tricks,
she headed out
searching
for the howl she still heard.
Crossing the threshold,
it was so loud in her ears.
And every step
into the unknown
brought the shiver
she thought was
healthy fear.

But as her journey continued,
and many adventures
were had,
she found moving
towards the howling
made it fade
into a purr.
And the wolf,
or dragon,
that moved her soul
out of her front door,
lived within 
her very brave heart.

~JL 

Post Script: Dearest Readers, if you have a place that delights you, and you think I would like to visit, please share it with me! I intend to make this life a living, breathing adventure! I am open to stories and suggestions. You can comment here, or email me at darklinglisten72@gmail.com
Thank you for visiting this page. May your life be full of joy!