adj. bold·er, bold·est
1. Fearless and daring; courageous.
2. Requiring or exhibiting courage and bravery.
3. Unduly forward and brazen; impudent: a bold, sassy child.
4. Clear and distinct to the eye; conspicuous: a bold handwriting.
5. Steep or abrupt in grade or terrain: bold cliffs.

A lot of people talk about being brave. Some things in life require bravery. Talking to that guy/girl, applying for that job, saving that baby from a grizzly bear. Bravery or courage is about doing what is right in spite of fear or opposition. Bravery is good.

But I prefer boldness.

The definition of boldness includes bravery and courage, but with a slant that stands out. Boldface type; brazen and sassy; steep terrain (I didn’t know that one.) You can’t miss them. They are in your face - loud and courageous, not silently brave.

This boldness thing is learned, I’ve found. I started middle school as a short, quiet girl who was too afraid and intimidated by just about everyone to speak her mind. I was walked on, left out, and unheard. But something was stirring inside me. I knew I had to change or I’d suffocate. It took years, but I found my voice. Now I don’t just want to speak, I want to yell.

I’ve been writing for the past year about my adventures in hopes that they would inspire others to action. Get off the couch, explore, be curious and step outside of your comfort zone. You don’t have to climb or hike, but you do have to act. Everyone can live a life that matters. Small choices lead to big changes. Learn to see yourself as the person you can be rather than the person you are and then start acting like them.

 
I’ve been talking about making changes for a while now, about my passions and how I want to live life. Until now I’ve been held back by fear. The kind of fear that makes you think you are capable of less, and makes you see the unknown as dark and dreadful rather than exciting. That’s not me though, not the me I’m capable of being. I’m strong and confident and capable. What’s stopping me from pursuing my dreams?

Nothing.

So...

On Monday I quit my job. I’m moving to San Jose in two and a half months to find another job that will move me closer to my goals and allow me to start grad school. I’m getting rid of anything that won’t fit into the back of my car and sending my old dresser back to my parent's house. I’m going to live off of what I’ve saved (and the generosity of others) until I get set with a more steady income. I don’t know where I will ultimately end up, it could be Colorado or Arizona or Washington or California… The world is open, and I have no solid plan. I’m not afraid any more. This isn’t just brave, it’s bold. It’s brazen to quit a solid job and seek adventure instead. It's daring to get rid of years of accumulated possessions. It might be impudent, forward and sassy, but it’s how I want to live: Yelling at the top of my lungs. I want to be bold. You can’t miss me.

So how is your life? Are you living so you can’t be missed? You don’t have to quit your job and move 3,000 miles away, but I bet there are other bold and brazen things that need to be done in your world. So go meet the you that you know you can be, and start acting like them. Live in the moment, love deeply, forgive liberally, move on quickly, and embrace moments to yell. Live boldly.

Wish me luck!