“Do one thing a day that scares you” – Eleanor Roosevelt.

Although it’s a rather cliche quote, something you would see on a poster in your high school classroom, it’s words of wisdom I live by. Being comfortable and “protecting your peace” all the time doesn’t make life worth living. I’m not advocating for those with a fear of heights to free-solo El Capitan like Alex Honnold.

That’s dangerous and insane. Maybe start by rock climbing at a local indoor climbing gym.

I don’t have a fear of heights, but like most people, I do have a fear of falling 15,000 feet to my death. This summer I challenged myself to face that fear and go skydiving. By pushing myself to jump out of the plane, I gained an amazing memory, a superiority complex and the confirmation that I (probably) never wanted to do it again.

In between danger and 100% comfortability is life’s sweet spot, I suggest you spend some time there. You are more capable and braver than you know, you just need to push yourself to figure that out.

-Charlotte Shields-Rossi