When I was younger, my dream was to be unafraid. I was shy growing up, and my dream was to get out of my shell and be “normal.” I often found myself wishing I could be more like my brothers — open, confident, and easygoing. They seemed so free, while I was overthinking things. One day, my dad said something that changed everything. He told me I was too intelligent to be timid. That word — timid — stuck with me. It didn’t feel right because deep down, I knew I wasn’t timid. I didn’t like that word being associated with me. I knew I was just very shy, not timid, and if being shy meant being considered timid, I had to do something about it. I realised it could actually happen for me when I began to do a lot of public speaking and discovered that I did it with passion. Since then, whenever the thud of my hearbeat gets louder and the sinking feeling in my stomach rings the alarm bells of fear, I ask myself, What is the worst that could happen? That simple question settles me and keeps me moving forward. The biggest challenge has been when people get offended after hearing the truth. Through this journey, I’ve discovered that I’m a daredevil go-getter at heart. Fear might knock, but I do not let it in. After all, what is the worst that could happen? Becoming Fearless — trusting myself, speaking my truth, and stepping forward no matter what. Becoming Fearless Cynthia I’ve felt fear, but I’ve developed the tools to overcome it whenever it nibbles. The Birthday Journal 49
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