leaning.

Have you ever thought to take the time to sit down and think of your deepest fears? Not in a dark, depressing, "What if...?" way, just as a reflection. An insight. A challenge. So often we are told to avoid being vulnerable, even with ourselves, that I think if we took the time to discover what frightens us-makes us nervous-causes us unease, it would help us understand and be more sensitive to others.

Society tells us to be individuals; strong and competent, not needing help from others. We are supposed to conquer the world! Accomplish our dreams! Make life our own! But then society also tells us to find true love... show your sensitive side... be in touch with your soft side. Can these completely separate worlds really coexist peacefully within each of us? Is this possible? Is it reality?

Life is a constant balancing act. On one side lies those hopes and dreams that we seek to achieve. It includes the things we wish we were; the elements we have yet to possess. It is just out of our grasp - for now - but it will always be in sight. The other side, the side we find ourselves on now, consists of things already accomplished and traits we already possess. It contains our secrets better left unsaid; those we plan to leave behind once we reach the other side. But the thing is, once we reach that mythical "other side" where life is supposed to be markedly improved, bright and shiny, we've simply spun in place. Because now there's yet another platform just out of our reach, tempting us to crave it and telling us life would be so much better "if only..."

I think we are afraid to live for the now, to truly examine our surroundings and be at peace with what they are offering us. It is less painful, less dangerous, less risky to live in the past or the future. Living in the now is, in someways, really the unknown, because too often we forget that it exists. So look inside: find your fears, face them, embrace them, and live. Now.