Going from fear to freedom is letting go of relationships where I did all the legwork, all the forgiving, all the I-totally-understands, because I’m no longer desperate.

Going from fear to freedom is knowing when a friendship will be mutual, and no longer feeling blindsided by a lack of investment. No relationship will be reciprocal all the time, but identifying when people are truly open for the back and forth of friendship prevents disappointment and bitterness.

Going from fear to freedom is seeing a social media picture with those people at some event, and thinking, “I should call so-and-so, and arrange something like that myself!”

Going from fear to freedom is being honest. I keep many things to myself, but I don’t endorse that with which I do not agree. Silence is a powerful opinion.

Going from fear to freedom is telling myself, “I must forgive. I must forgive. Lord, help me let go of this warm blanket of past wrongs. I must forgive.”

Going from fear to freedom is being able to cry tears of joy for another person’s triumph. It is also allowing myself to feel another person’s discomfort.

Going from fear to freedom is giving affection to friends and family, and knowing that there’s more where that came from, as they say.

Going from fear to freedom is no longer feeling ruined by mistakes, and knowing that even if I do err, every day is new.

Going from fear to freedom is getting snapped at and knowing it’s not about me.

Going from fear to freedom is feeling absolutely no pressure to do what, or go where I really don’t want to. Some situations are optional, and that is more than okay.

Going from fear to freedom is seeing how a comment or inference could have been directed at me, and being fine with that. Until an issue is brought up directly and in the context of relationship, it’s not something to fret over!

Going from fear to freedom is no longer stressing about who I should be friends with, and just being friends with whoever I make smile and whoever makes me smile. It’s pretty simple.

Going from fear to freedom is hoping deeply for something, but also knowing that it might not happen. Either way, in God’s plan, things only go up from here.

And that’s true for all of us.

Sincerely,

A.I.A.L.