Recently, a friend asked me, ‘How do I prepare myself for the worst?’ and it got me thinking: why do we so often assume the worst? Why are we so fearful of the unknown, as if it’s something waiting to harm us? Why do we associate the future with anxiety rather than peace?

We are always scared of the unknown considering that we fear the future will mirror our past, because we are born to believe that history repeats itself. But human beings are not history, they reinvent themselves instead of repeating themselves. If you are scared of the future, I ask you to try to see it as a challenge rather than a threat, a pleasant surprise, or a compelling story that is still unfolding. Sometimes knowing the ending ruins the story, and life is all about the story.

If you are scared of tomorrow, think of the things you can control today, the things you have now, think of just today and how you can get through it. In Mathew 6:34, it says “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own”. Think of how you can make today slightly better, think of how you can make this day a good day in case history repeats itself tomorrow. Think of making today count, maybe that is the only possible way you can prepare for tomorrow.

If you are scared of failure, think of the past regrets you had because you didn’t try, think of the “what ifs” and “if only” you asked yourself when you felt that life is passing you by. Think of failure as not trying rather than winning. Think of failure as a battle you lost but a war you could still win. Think of failure as a complicated friend rather than a vile enemy.

If you’re afraid of heartbreak, remember the wisdom and strength you gained from it. Think of the self-discoveries that came from your isolation and introspection. Recall how your brokenness once inspired you to write, sing, dance, or simply pack your bags and travel. Remember that once, you weren’t afraid of love—and why you shouldn’t fear it again. If you’re afraid of love, see it as an act of giving rather than receiving. And if you’re afraid of love, consider how much more you might fear loneliness.

If you’re afraid of death, think of the many times you’ve felt like a part of you died inside, yet still found your way back to the light. Recall your near-death experiences and how they made you more aware and appreciative of life. We are mortal, and there’s nothing we can change about that. You are here now, so be fully present. Let the inevitability of death inspire you to live boldly. Let’s live as though we are dying, rather than die as if we had never truly lived.