Finding Courage in a Tunnel in Prague: Transform Your Fear Into Power
Prague was my home for 3 years, and while my Czech is very very limited, there is one word that I will never forget and that is ‘‘Neboj’’.
In my old neighborhood, Karlín, I used to walk past a tunnel. A tunnel I was so afraid of entering the first time I saw it.
The tunnel pops up unexpectedly, hidden among colorful houses and parked cars. It is located in the Vítkov Hill, with trains running over it as they travel to different places.
The entrance of the tunnel looks intimidating. It feels like when you walk in, you are stepping into a whole new world. You just have to hope that it's a good one when you come out.
The tunnel makes a bend, that means that when you are in the middle of tunnel, you cannot see where you came from or where you are going. Not the best feeling in the world, as you can imagine.
Above the tunnel entrance, the word "neboj" is written in big letters. Don't be afraid.
‘‘neboj’’ serves as a reminder to encourage you that you should not be afraid to enter.
You can do it. You are safe.
This made me think of how we human beings tend to feel about change.
When you are starting a new chapter or dealing with challenging situations, or whatever change you’re going through, it can feel scary, intimidating, overwhelming, lost, uncomfortable…
It will feel like you don’t have control over where you’re going or that you will never reach your desired goals.
However, each step you will take is a step towards overcoming your fear and reaching your destination.
Let this story encourage you like it did for me: sometimes, you have to face your fears to find out something great is on the other side.
Even if you can't see where you are going, keep going. Remember, "neboj".
You have the strength to conquer the unknown.
You can do it.
You are safe.
Don’t be afraid.
P.S.: It connects the neighbourhoods ‘‘Karlín’’ and ‘‘Zizkov’’. Both very beautiful areas, so it is worth the steps ;)
P.P.S.: The tunnel also serves as a fallout shelter, morgue, emergency hospital and laboratory!
2 self-reflection questions for you:
1) What motivates you to reach your destination when you feel intimitated or overwhelmed?
2) Which locations in the world encouraged you to ‘‘not be afraid’’?
I love to hear from you! Let me know your thoughts by commenting below or send me a message: hello@stevannevandervelden.com, or DM me on Instagram: @stevannevandervelden
With love and courage,
Stevanne
