Life Shrinks or Expands in Proportion to Your Courage
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” — Anaïs Nin
It’s a simple sentence, but one of the most profound truths about growth, freedom, and fulfillment. Life doesn’t just happen, it expands when we step into the things that scare us, the opportunities that challenge us, and the moments that demand courage.
Yet, most of us hold back. Why? Because fear shows up. And fear can feel very real.
Why Fear Is Normal (And How It Works in Your Brain)
Fear is not your enemy. It’s a signal. A deeply biological one. Your amygdala, the part of your brain that responds to threats, doesn’t distinguish between physical danger and emotional or social risk.
This means when you:
Speak up in a meeting
Start a new project
Apply for a promotion
Ask someone out
Speak your truth
Your body can respond the same way it would if a tiger were chasing you: racing heart, tight chest, shallow breathing, and the urge to freeze or flee.
If you’ve experienced trauma, stress, or unpredictability, your nervous system might be even more sensitive. That doesn’t mean you’re weak, it means you’re human.
Confidence Comes After Action
Here’s a myth we all fall for:
“Once I feel confident, I’ll take action.”
Neuroscience shows the opposite. Confidence isn’t a prerequisite. It’s a byproduct of action.
Each time you step into fear and do the thing anyway:
Your nervous system learns safety
New neural pathways are formed
Your self-trust grows
Avoiding the thing may feel safe in the moment—but over time, life gets smaller.
Courage Is a Nervous System Muscle
Courage isn’t loud or dramatic. It’s quiet, consistent, and deeply embodied. Think of your nervous system like a comfort zone bubble. Inside is familiar. Outside is growth. Courage gently stretches this bubble.
Small brave acts, speaking your truth, showing up for yourself, taking one action toward your dream, teach your body:
“I can feel fear and still be safe.”
Your Challenge This Week
Identify one courageous action you’ve been avoiding. Not huge. Not perfect. Just one. Then, do it.
Notice how it feels to take life into your own hands. Notice the confidence, the clarity, and the expansion that follows.
Because life doesn’t grow all at once, it grows in proportion to your courage.
Listen & Learn More
I dive even deeper into this topic on my latest podcast episode: Life Shrinks or Expands in Proportion to Your Courage. I break down the science of fear, how courage physically expands your nervous system, and give you actionable steps to start living bigger today.