In November of 2021, Netflix released Tick, Tick… Boom!, a movie reimagining of the autobiographical musical about Jonathon Larson’s life (played by Andrew Garfield). It is clear that this hour and fifty-five minute film has left an impact on those who watched, as the songs continue to trend on TikTok and the love for Andrew Garfield grows.
Throughout this movie, there is a common question asked: Fear or love?
What does this question mean exactly? In relation to the movie, we see Jonathon and those he loves battle between doing what they love, which may cause failure or financial issues, and doing what is seen as practical, like taking a job they may dislike simply for stability. This question and the harsh realities really stuck with me, as this battle is one shared by everyone.
Fear is something that everyone feels. Most people may think of fear as only something they feel when experiencing something scary, like a haunted maze or a rollercoaster. Many don’t look at it from the life perspective. Fear drives a lot of peoples choices. It can stop someone from pursuing what they actually want in life versus what they should want in life. In a quick poll done with fellow Her Campus writers, 46% allow fear to control their decisions in life. Imagine this with a poll done with hundreds of people, no doubt the number would be bigger. So how does fear control people?
How does this fear play into everyone’s lives?
Relationships
Though in the 21st century, it seems that people have gotten a lot bolder in going after the person they want in their lives, whether platonic or romantic, many still hold back. Maybe it is a childhood friend that you have developed feelings for but, don’t want to go after because it may change your relationship with them. Many people use the expression, “I would rather have them in my life as a friend than nothing at all.” Though that may be true, harboring feelings for someone and never telling them can only hurt you in the end.
Maybe there is a person in your class that you speak to occasionally, but want to get to know them better. You want to hang out with them, maybe grab a cup of coffee, but they already have their established friends and you don’t want to intrude on that dynamic. Some may think that it isn’t something worth pursuing, why?
One simple answer: The fear of rejection.
No one wants to be rejected, no one likes being rejected. But rejection is one of the best ways of learning to take no for an answer. Sure, feelings may be hurt in the process, but sometimes it is better to know than to never try.
Expression
With social medias like Instagram and TikTok, people are expressing themselves more freely with makeup, clothing, or their lifestyle. Though this is fantastic to see people grow comfortable in themselves, it can be hard for those who feel like they cannot do the same.
For me personally, I grew up in a small town. Though I loved certain styles and makeup looks, I felt like I couldn’t pull it off without being judged or ridiculed. I mean, if you wore jeans on a day you were allowed to wear sweatpants, people asked you about it. To this day, I am still trying to find comfort in wearing what I like and even then, I still may change into what I am used to out of fear.
There should be no shame or judgement in expressing yourself the way you want to, but the first step to that is self love!
College Majors
The biggest factor that fear plays into is, for those who are going to college and deciding their major. Those who are torn between pursuing their passion and what is expected are usually hit the hardest from this. I know many people who are into the arts but, refuse to major in it because they’re worried they won’t find a stable job with the future degree. So, they decide on something they don’t necessarily like for stability.
Choosing a major isn’t easy and there are times that you need to be practical. However, if something is going to make you happy, and you know you love it already, there should be no holding back. Choosing your passion, whether it’s writing, music, art, or fashion, could open doors and help you reach your full artistic potential.
How do you say no to fear?
Saying no to internal fears isn’t an easy task but, 2022 should be about growth, happiness, and self-love all above! Confidence is key, and although the journey may be a hard one, reflection and learning to be comfortable in your own skin and choices will help you go after what you want, and not what is expected from others!