Recently, my husband and I found ourselves deep in conversation about choosing between love and fear. Our talk stirred up memories of a powerful Jim Carrey commencement speech, where he delves into the impact of these two heavy words. It popped into my Facebook feed as if the Universe knew I needed it. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend watching it. (Fast forward to 9:20 if you’re pressed for time.)

Jim Carrey speaks of the choice to work in a field that doesn’t ignite your passion, disguised as practicality. As a proud multipassionate and self-proclaimed ‘scanner,’ this resonates deeply with me. I’ve always pursued multiple interests and explored different paths, never fully content with the notion of picking just one thing and sticking to it. And while this mindset once made me feel flighty or even lost, I now understand it as a gift. I’ve had my share of jobs: banking, bartending, customer service, even serving as a soldier. Fear of failure didn’t always loom over me, but the pull toward trying new things was undeniable.

Despite never being accused of practicality, I worked hard, holding a job since I was 15. My parents instilled a strong work ethic, emphasizing that hard work defines a person, not a wishful attitude. Yet somewhere along my path, I stopped fearing the risk of doing what I love. And the moment I embraced that stands clear as day.

A Date for the My Own History Book

It was February 22, 2002—a date engraved in my memory. At 23, discontent with my life and driven by that familiar scanner itch, I signed up for the Army National Guard. With a $3,000 signing bonus and three weeks to prepare, I quit my job, packed my rucksack, and set off on my own. This was the first decision I made purely for myself, independent of expectations. It felt scary, but thrilling—exactly what you’d expect from a scanner ready for the next adventure.

Flash forward to basic training in South Carolina: heat, humidity, fire ants, and relentless drills. There I was, doing push-ups in a ditch, miserable, drenched, and exhausted. It was in that moment—ready to scream or cry—that I realized: This is not going to last forever. They couldn’t keep us there indefinitely; things would change. My mind calmed, and I followed every command with newfound resilience. And sure enough, the night ended, just like everything does.

Nothing Lasts Forever.

That lesson stayed with me. “Forever” isn’t as intimidating as it seems; it’s just the time you need to learn. Jim Carrey’s reminder today is just as potent: if you’re not afraid, doing what you love is a risk worth taking. Failure is only real if you define it that way.

I’ve been called a risk-taker, though I don’t always feel like one. But I do know this: If my heart isn’t in something, neither is my mind. And as a multipassionate scanner, I’ve come to understand that pursuing what lights me up, no matter how many times I shift focus, is where I find fulfillment. We can find success—often more so—doing what energizes us, as long as we’re willing to walk through the doors that open.

Sure, I’ve faced fear. Fear of judgment, failure, and vulnerability. But I’m done with ditches and barking drill sergeants. Today, the sun is out, bees buzz around wildflowers, and laughter echoes from kids hopping off the bus. I choose to savor these moments. Fear has no place here.

Life has its ups and downs, yin and yang. But just for today, I choose love over fear. It’s a choice we can all make, and it’s worth every ounce of courage.