So like, I don't want to be one of those "a lot of people say" kind of people because...well, nobody believes it. So I'm not going to do that (much).

A number of years ago I was (still am) friends with a guy that I went to college with. He had a really interesting background; had been to Europe a few times, was working on his Masters (ultimately). Had been a radio DJ and written a play, professionally performed. Joined the Peace Corps. I mean, he really did just about everything that an ambitious person might have thought, "That would be fun to do!"

And he traveled. He traveled a lot.

And one day when we were talking on the phone, I mentioned to him how much I envied his willingness to just pack up his shit and move to a country where he doesn't know the language. I was really in awe of his ability to do that, what with me being barely able to feel comfortable outside of the house.

And he laughed, and he said, "Dude, don't envy me." He goes, "every single time I'm in the airport I'm a coin toss away from not going. Every time." Then he told me, "I'm scared every time, but you know, I've been scared of everything that I've found was worth doing. Be scared. Just don't let it stop you."

And ultimately, HE is why I've been able to pack up every last little stitch of a possession and move to the other side of the world.

A lot of people DO tell me that they think that I'm brave or whatever, but to those people I just have to repeat my friends sentiments: Of course I'm scared. I would be a fool to not be scared. So what?