We are told from a young age that we must face our fears,

That there isn’t anything to be afraid of,

And that everyone goes through rough times - you aren’t something special.

And while this may be true,

And I may have to face my fears alone,

That doesn’t make it any less daunting,

When I have to jump into the belly of the beast and swim with my demons.

So I put on a brave face,

And pretend all is well when in reality I am crying behind a broken mask;

But I realized that I am not alone,

I don’t have to waste away in confusion wondering if I’ll ever make it out,

Because I’ve got someone who showed me their scars and told me my worst fears.

They looked me in the eyes with a fire behind them so bright,

That they made me realize my fears were only fears - my pain only pain,

And I learned that it was okay to feel pain and to be afraid,

I found that fear is what makes us human,

I discovered that the epitome of my fear lies in the consternation and anxiety of losing happiness;

I remembered that above all, I can find happiness in life.