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Boldness

2/10/2011

21 Comments

 
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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.


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Me in 2002
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.

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Summit of Mauna Kea
 
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!


21 Comments
Herrea
2/10/2011 02:07:11 am

If that's not the definition of bold, I don't know what is. Good luck but I don't think you'll need it!

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eryn link
2/10/2011 02:21:53 am

ROCK on!!

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Elizabeth link
2/10/2011 02:22:52 am

Aleya! Congratulations on taking this step and seeing fear for what it is. I'm so excited for you and can't wait to hear your stories as you live your life *your* way!

Ask for the support you need, we're all here to help in whatever way we can. :) *BIG HUGS*

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Whitney link
2/10/2011 02:28:57 am

Awesome! Good luck. I moved from Fl to Co and it was the best choice I ever made!!

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josh link
2/10/2011 02:35:50 am

BALLER! Huge move, Aleya. I'm very very proud of you. I hope you make a stop in CO on your way to the Left Coast!

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Tiffany
2/10/2011 03:10:17 am

Extremely proud, lady, extremely proud. We're here for you in any way, shape or form. :)

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Eileen link
2/10/2011 03:48:17 am

Way to go Aleya! And I'm sure you'll come visit So Cal too right?

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Ryan
2/10/2011 03:50:10 am

I wish you luck on your next grand adventure but I doubt you will need it! Love the concept of boldness, this is one of my favorite quotes on the subject:
"It is better by noble boldness to run the risk of being subject to half the evils we anticipate than to remain in cowardly listlessness for fear of what might happen."~Herodotus
So excited for you!!

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bj link
2/10/2011 04:17:01 am

congrats on the start of an exciting journey!

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dubid0 link
2/10/2011 05:23:19 am

Awesome! So glad you took the plunge. I wish you the most magical journey of discovery along the way :)

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rabelcher1
2/10/2011 06:28:39 am

Good Luck on your Journey and have Fun!
Oh, and keep us posted.

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snarkybumbler link
2/10/2011 06:46:10 am

Yay Aleya! Good on ya sister of boldness. If you make it to Washington, there's a little green house there with an open door.

And thanks for posting exactly the thing i needed to read today.

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Neil K. Sheridan link
2/10/2011 07:25:56 am

I like the final paragraph! Good luck :)

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Julie
2/10/2011 10:43:16 am

Letting go of fear and living in the present *is* bold. Kudos to you for identifying what you want jumping right in, uncertainty and all.

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Lisa
2/10/2011 12:23:21 pm

Wow. I am in awe...

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Sarah link
2/10/2011 01:09:00 pm

I too moved across the country and while in the beginning it was scary and lonely, I'm so glad I did it! Takes a while to carve out your own niche but I'm loving where I live and the people I've met. Good luck with your move!

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Brian link
2/11/2011 01:12:14 am

My fiance and I were discussing this just last night. Next summer we might both quit our very steady and well paying jobs and spend the summer on a 3 month long adventure. Good luck and keep blogging! I can't to read more.

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Jen link
2/11/2011 01:41:05 am

You've never struck me as someone who lets fear hold her back. You are amazing; go out there and share your amazingness!

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Auntie Jill
2/12/2011 01:57:17 am

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Nich link
2/12/2011 11:41:36 pm

Congratulations and well done! I chucked in my job in December 2009 and spent last year in Canada with my other half. We're back in the UK and looking at how to make that move long term... so well done on taking the plunge! *Inspiration*

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Mom
4/4/2011 03:32:05 pm

I don't remember that you ever lost your voice. You def had a voice when you were growing up and you made sure everyone knew what you were thinking. I do remember times you felt drown out with CAP and a few other times, but you rose above it and came out on top! Honey, you've always had a good dose of boldness that helped you move ahead. I'm praying that now that you will land in the center of God's richest blessings for you.
Love, your Mommy!

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