Fear is not only primal but it can be uniquely personal. We rarely remain unaffected by our own experiences, what our families teach us, or what we learn from other sources.

The media barrage us with a daily dose of tragedy, catastrophe, violence and horror giving us the unceasing message that peril and suffering is everywhere. But news is meant to provoke a reaction, not to calm and reassure. And foremost news is a commodity. It is meant to sell.

Those who, even under dire circumstances, continue to find laughter and hope are rarely in our headlines. We are seldom made aware of those who engage in danger yet remain safe. We are continuously prompted to feel fear but not confidence, strength or courage.

If we are not vigilant we might begin to equate all destinations, even our familiar dwellings, as threatening and forbidding. Never lose a healthy sense of caution, and always take care, but be sure that your fears are realistic and not incited by fear mongers.  Let us not underestimate our strengths, our capabilities or our valor.

After all, the Cowardly Lion went to great lengths to acquire courage only to learn that, having acted in the face of fear, he had possessed it all along.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Welcome to the tales of a woman solo traveler and thoughts to make today the start of something new. I hope you find information and inspiration in the text and images and join me in my quest for growth, wonderment and self-improvement.