I’m not afraid.

I’m not afraid to be who I am.
I’m not afraid to admit when I am wrong.
I’m not afraid to admit when I don’t know something.
I’m not afraid to be different.

I’m not afraid to stand out in a crowd.
I’m not afraid to speak in front of a large group of people.
I’m not afraid to wear my heart of my sleeve.
I’m not afraid of what other people say about me. 

The names that belong to me belonged to people who were not afraid.
One of them, an orphan during WW2 near the border of France and Germany.
Another lost his leg on his way to war and his mother chastized him for the rest of her life.
Another raised seven children on her own with no help from her drunk husband.
They were not afraid.

I’m not afraid to die.
I’m not afraid to take a chance.
I’m not afraid to learn and absorb. 
I’m not afraid to stand alone.

In this life, you have one chance and one chance only.
To make each and every day count.
Live wisely and passionately, with the love and support of those around you.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

I’m not afraid to be happy.
I’m not afraid to take a chance.
I’m not afraid of the future.
I’m not afraid of tomorrow.