what a stunning thing, to be lucky enough to see another human expand.

consider the times when you’ve witnessed someone go out of their comfort zone in the name of experience, or chasing a dream, or becoming better. have you ever once thought that because they didn’t do it perfectly, they shouldn’t have tried at all?

imagine a friend, deeply fearful of speaking on stage. but they have so many beautiful things to say - if only the world could hear them. they’ve shared their imagination and storytelling with you in confidence, but beyond those doors they leave the sharing to others. you wish they wouldn’t.

one night you find yourself with them and an open mic in the corner of your neighborhood bar. their liquid courage and your gentle nudge lifts them out of their chair and over to the mic. they utter a few sentences, share a few thoughts, their hand shaking against their pocket. they quickly shuffle back to their seat and you swell with pride - they’ve grown in front of your eyes.

why, then, are we so afraid to be seen trying ourselves? we are in awe of others’ efforts, but hold ourselves only to an unreasonable expectation. how can we possibly do the things we dream of without learning to do them? what would you try if you knew being seen trying was admirable?

what if we lived in a world where those who tried the most were the wealthiest? the most well respected? the kings and queens of exploration and wisdom? a world where perfect was lazy because it meant you’d stopped trying?