Desert Dweller

I forgot.

It sounds crazy—

saying it out loud.

I forgot that there is no perfect plan,

there is no perfect path, that no matter what,

there is always uncertainty.

I tried hard to avoid a trap,

but ended up creating one for myself anyway.

The more logical and rational I tried to be,

the more I felt trapped, drained, stressed out.

I’ve been through hardships

and I always made it to the other side,

stronger.

I let fear convince me

that being uncomfortable, losing a few bucks

or making a few mistakes

would mean the end of me.

I forgot that I am able to learn,

that I am resilient.

I let fear convince me

that discomfort, risk, or looking stupid

might threaten my survival.

Allowing myself to be hijacked

by fear was far more dangerous

than any path I may have chosen.

I forgot that there is no perfect plan, no perfect path.

No matter what, there will be risks.

No matter what, I will make mistakes.

No matter what, I will be uncomfortable.

No matter what, I will look stupid from time to time.

This doesn’t mean I’m flawed,

just afraid.

© 2026 Bruno Talerico

237/365

Image from the internet.