I’ve been “cheating” a bit the past few days. Meaning I’ve gotten a few car rides to avoid knarly stretches of road. At least that’s what I’m telling myself. How do you know the difference between legitimate fear and anxiety?

Maybe I’m really afraid of the trucks and the traffic and the wind. Maybe it’s really just discomfort in not knowing what the day will hold. Maybe I’m just worried I won’t be able to do it. And then what? I’m stuck on the side of the road with no way out? Or more likely, I make it my destination later, sweatier, and more tired than I would have liked. Is that so bad?

Like many people, a lot of my time has been spent avoiding discomfort, and I find myself following that same pattern out here, away from the high-stakes realm of work and relationships. In some ways, it’s more valid to avoid the potentially scary right now; there are legitimate dangers being on the road by yourself. But there are a lot of wonderful opportunities too, and I wonder if I’m missing any by being too careful with myself. Is it better to be gentle with myself and practice preventative self-care to counter anxiety? Or should I push myself a bit more, to prove to myself I have higher limits than I give myself credit for?

I don’t have an answer today. But I’ll keep asking myself what it is I’m really afraid of. No great adventure has ever been in pursuit of comfort.