Stepping Into Bravery: Why We Need to Stop Waiting for the “Right Time”

We all know that feeling. That urge to step out of our comfort zone, to do something bold, something different. Maybe it's traveling alone, meeting new people, or simply taking a leap of faith into the unknown. But more often than not, we hesitate. We let fear, doubt, and the idea that we're not ready hold us back.

But here’s the truth: bravery doesn’t come when you feel ready—it comes when you choose to take that first step anyway.

Take me, for instance. One of my biggest dreams is to travel solo, to step outside of everything I’ve known and experience the world on my own terms. For years, I’ve been waiting for the perfect moment. I’ve been waiting for the time when everything aligns—when I have the money, the right travel companions, or the perfect circumstances. But you know what? That moment may never come. I’ve come to realize that the fear of traveling alone is only a part of the equation. The other part? I’m waiting for permission. Permission from the universe, permission from society, even permission from myself.

This realization hit me recently when I received a message from a dear friend and colleague. It was a quote she shared from Facebook that resonated deeply with me:

"Adulting Advice: Pumunta ka sa mga lugar na gusto mong puntahan and allow yourself to do all the things you really want to do. Wag ka nang maghintay ng permission galing sa iba. Gawin mo lahat ng makapagpasaya sayo. The days aren’t coming back."

In that moment, it was like a lightbulb went off. We spend so much time waiting for approval—waiting for the “right time,” the “right circumstances.” But the truth is, we don’t need anyone’s permission to pursue our own happiness. We don’t need a golden ticket, a perfect plan, or an ideal situation to take

action. We just need the courage to go after it, even if the path isn’t clear.

But then, there’s that one thing that always creeps into the back of my mind—the one thing that has held me back for so long: finances. It’s a reality many of us face. Traveling, especially solo, can be expensive. We have bills, responsibilities, and the constant pressure of making sure our financial future is secure. And while I know these are legitimate concerns, I’ve realized something crucial: waiting for perfect financial security may just be another form of procrastination.

I’m not saying to throw caution to the wind and spend recklessly. But what I am saying is that we can be creative, resourceful, and intentional in making things happen, even when resources are limited. Maybe it means starting small, saving a little each month, or finding alternative, more affordable ways to experience the world. Maybe it means taking that first step with just a little less certainty, knowing that the journey will evolve as I go. The truth is, we don’t need everything to be perfect to start; we just need to start.

So, here’s what I’m learning: bravery is not the absence of fear or limitations. Bravery is choosing to move forward despite them. It’s about taking the leap, even when your financial situation isn’t ideal, when the path is unclear, or when the fear feels overwhelming. Because in those moments, when we choose bravery, we discover what we’re truly capable of.

And it’s not just about doing things on our own or pushing through fear—it’s about connecting with others, too. Traveling alone isn’t just about finding yourself; it’s about meeting others, learning about their cultures, their stories, and their lives. It’s about breaking down walls, gaining new perspectives, and discovering how we all, as humans, are so beautifully interconnected. There’s so much to learn from the world around us, and the only way to truly understand it is by experiencing it firsthand.

In the end, this journey of bravery isn’t just about where we go or what we do. It’s about who we become along the way. So, if you’re waiting for permission, waiting for the "right time," or waiting for the perfect circumstances, I invite you to take a step forward anyway. Book that ticket. Go to the places you’ve always wanted to see. Spend time alone, reflect, and learn about yourself. Meet new people and immerse yourself in different cultures.

Because here’s the truth we often forget: the days we have today won’t come back. Don’t let fear or doubt steal your chance to experience something extraordinary. The only thing standing between where you are now and where you want to be is the choice to take that first step.

So, what’s holding you back?