Dear Fear This is not another love letter. I’m leaving you. I see your grin And I know what you’re thinking - There is cowardice in writing this dear John letter instead of looking you in the eye and witnessing its delivery. I assure you, that is not the case. I know cowardice perhaps better than you. You have imposed it, But I have embodied it. You have delivered it, And I have willingly received it, nurtured it, mothered it, and helped it grow. Too many years, mastering the courage of silence che courage of compromise. I invited in the cowardice of conformity and loved the betrayal of the bystander. I’m well practiced in expressing myself with my hands and my soul with my actions and my guts with my pen, but you have held the strings of my heart with your protective fingers wrapped snuggly around my throat. You taught me how risky the world could be. Encouraged me to live in the shadows and walk in the mass with a mask in the light. I am deeply grateful, everyday, for the protective shelter that you built for me. But I can not stay here any longer. It’s not enough for me anymore. I am longing to know What it feels like to see someone hear me. I cant stay in these confines any longer. It’s time for a new path, unfettered by your cocoon, unobstructed by doubt and shame, steadfast in love and love alone. Please , take your fingers away from my throat and I’ve already cut the strings to my heart. I’m going. I won’t make a plan - no emergency rations, no sentimental treasures. I’m leaving the luggage behind. I’m just stepping forward - everything I need is already with me. Please consider this letter a respectful bow to a formidable opponent at the end of a match. No need to count the wins and losses. The importance is in what we have learned about our battle strategies throughout the fight. Today you will allow me to walk away. Put my excellence out of your reach. And if you should decide to turn and follow me: Please know I will face you And kick your ass.
