Many of us are doing some soul-searching. That’s the result of going through the stark uncertainty, upheaval and tragedy of more than two and a half years of this pandemic.

These days, with a significant number of people quitting their jobs and starting over, you could forget how scary that can be. Change means facing unknowns and the unexpected.

During more “normal” times, it might seem easier to just stick with what you know, even if it isn’t making you happy. What you risk in doing that are the missed opportunities life presents along the way.

When you take that leap of faith to try something new, you embrace the spirit of possibility. Not everyone has it in them to step out of their comfort zone. Starting something totally new takes courage.

Fear comes in many forms. In fact, researchers say that at least 645 known fears exist. Like the fear of heights, fear of spiders, fear of change, fear of failure, fear of lists, fear of disappointing someone, fear of making a wrong decision, fear of the unknown. The list goes on and on.

What do you have to lose?

James Baldwin is credited with saying, “The most dangerous creation of any society is the man who has nothing to lose.” And in the purest sense that’s true. But faced with all the changes we’ve experienced in our lives lately, some people have begun to ask, “what do I have to lose by trying something new, when the old just isn’t working for me anymore?”

The fear of not taking a chance is being seen through a new lens, one that sees fear as an obstacle that keeps us from facing new opportunities head-on. We only go around once and pursuing our dreams shouldn’t be put off forever.

What would you be doing if you didn’t let fear get in your way?

Or are you living your dream?

Please share, if you dare, in the comments below.