Sam has recently been plagued with great anxiety--about bathroom doors, our dog, me leaving, coyotes, elevators and ghosts. However, twice within a week, she contained enough confidence to attempt jumping not one, but 2 different creeks.

The first time she got a very wet and muddy shoe. The second time she actually fell into the shallow muddy water and came out half brown. She was not pleased about either of these (I on the other hand couldn't help but laugh), but I just love that despite the fear that she holds about irrational scenarios, she still holds a will and confidence that would challenge most.

Trust and fear exist not despite the other, but in reflection of each other. Sam has come to verbally reveal that she expresses all of her fears to me because she feels the safest in my presence. And it is that trust that allows her to keep trying new things and stretching herself.  Which just reminds me that in my times of uncertainty that the only reason I am experiencing fear is because comfort is very close by.

Life is risky. All of it. It's risky to stay where we are and it's risky to jump the creek. See if you can hold the awareness of both--softly. Not to drive yourself crazy, but to remember that shadows only exist in the presence of light. Your discomfort may only be showing up to remind you of the great opposite.