You Can Be Afraid & Still Be Brave

Are you ever afraid?

I know I am. A LOT. But sometimes people also call me “brave” for up-ending my life to follow my passion for dance and remaining tenacious in that pursuit. The thing is, I’m both -- afraid AND brave. And you probably are too.

I don’t think brave means being fearless. I think brave means digging down into your inner strength and using it to do what’s right - for you, your loved ones, your community, the world - even if there’s no guarantee of success or praise.

My fears are huge obstacles to me - they feel like mountains to climb. Most days I’m emotionally exhausted by how many inner fears I have to surmount - fear of not being liked, of saying something wrong, of failing, of being too little or too late to pursue my deepest dreams. And on and on and on.

But I keep climbing.

I never want people to see me as “brave” and not know about the fear behind it. Because what if someone reading my posts or watching my show thinks they CAN’T follow their own passions too because they’re too afraid?

That would break my heart. You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be fearless. You can bring all of your fears and imperfections with you as you take big risks pursuing your own particular path of adventure.

xoxo Melis

PS: How do you allow yourself to be afraid AND brave? Let me know in the comments! Or hit me up on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!

PPS: Have you seen my web series? Travel with me through the world of dance, in Havana, Cuba and Buenos Aires, Argentina!