Lubna Alli

Sometimes when I’m sad and afraid, I quiet my fears with words. I type and let the pain flow through my fingers and onto the keyboard, the ebb and flow of my thoughts translating into piles of angry smacks and poetic mishaps. It allows me to process, to reflect, to heal—and God knows I’ve got a lot of that to do.

I came here to thank myself because I don’t do that sort of thing that enough. The number of times I’ve put myself out of my comfort zone and mentally coached myself to do something despite how freaking scared I was is pretty damn impressive.

The first time I solo travelled I cried myself to sleep in an overpriced hotel room the size of a shoebox (which I justified paying for to lull my fears of being alone). The first time I walked into a restaurant and asked for a table for one, I pulled out my phone to soothe my nerves at the thought of onlookers. The first time I took the train to a strange city by myself I put on my headphones to let the melodies of familiar music remind me of home.

Doing things solo for the first few times may not have been all glitz and glam, but the feeling of confidence, self-assurance, and contentment after doing it was like no other. I realized so much of my potential when I allowed myself to walk through life without inhibitions.

Do something outside of your comfort zone, you’ll thank yourself later.