But what if you fly?
Fear is a master storyteller. It spins elaborate “what ifs” in our minds: What if I fail? What if I’m embarrassed? What if it doesn’t work?
It’s human nature to focus on the worst-case scenario. Our brains are wired for survival, so they flag potential danger faster than potential joy. But here’s the problem—when we only listen to fear’s version of the story, we miss out on the other half.
Enter Erin Hanson’s timeless line: “What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?”
That simple phrase flips the script. It reminds us that for every possible failure, there is also the possibility of soaring. And the truth is, most of the great things in life happen because someone decided the chance to fly was worth the risk of falling.
Think about the big moments in your own life—the relationships you began, the opportunities you took, the dreams you chased. How many of them came with a guarantee? Probably none. And yet, you stepped forward anyway. That’s courage.
Flying doesn’t always look like massive success on the first try. Sometimes it’s learning something you didn’t know. Sometimes it’s proving to yourself that you can take the leap. And sometimes it’s discovering that even if you stumble, you’re still stronger for trying.
So next time you feel fear holding you back, remember—there’s another ending to the story. And it might just be the one that changes everything.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” — Isaiah 40:31
Take the leap.
See what happens.
You might just fly.
