About three weeks ago, it started to snow in Brașov. Not that three flakes kinda tease that we used to have for the last couple of years, but a full on snow that took me back to the good old days.

Safe to say, I was scared. Still needing Mr. Cane to walk about outside the house and with my history of always managing to slip and fall, I was hesitant to even take out the trash. As the snow was starting to pack up, so were my emotions. All the possible scenarios were running in my mind. Me slipping, me falling, me breaking something, me not being able to get up, me having to wait on the ground for someone to help me get up, me being hit by a car.

Unfortunately (on the short term) and fortunately (on the long term) I had to go to work and so I had to get out the protective cocoon my house was. It was, let’s say, interesting. The snow was fresh, so it was quite slippery. The people weren’t expecting the snow, so they were quite agitated. I was testing this for the first time, so I was quite scared. I managed to get to work, but it was tough. Dreading the moment I had to go back home, I was praying for a miracle: the snow stopping, the sun melting all of the snow already set, spring coming at the end of January or something like that.

The moment came and I ventured outside yet again. It was amazing. The snow layer was thicker and walking on it was easier. I even managed to enjoy the view and the way the city started to transform itself thanks to the white, clean layer of snow.

From that day on, I went to the park every day for a stroll. The fresh, crisp air was amazing and the cleanliness of the surroundings was great to look at. But what was even more amazing was the feeling of overcoming my fear.

I mean, look at that! I know it’s not much, just a random park in a random city on a random morning, but for me it’s more than that. It’s the proof that I can enjoy winter, that I can face my fears and that I am capable. For me, it’s freedom. Freedom from my thoughts, freedom from my fears, freedom from the cage I thought I was in, freedom from my so called disabilities.

The secret was that I asked myself what would seven year old Maria would do. Because kids are fearless, a good kind of fearless. Kids don’t have scenarios in their heads, they don’t fear the worst and they just want to have fun.

I know this post is a very random one, but it means a lot to me. Now that all the snow has melted, I can see the improvements when going outside. So, yes, face every challenge like a kid would, because the rewards won’t take long to appear. Fear is only in our mind, our soul is just a fearless child wanting to explore.