Growing up, my brother liked to think that out of all the Disney princesses, I was more like the Little Mermaid, sans the fiery red hair, but definitely with the fiery go-etter personality.  If an idea popped in my head, I just went ahead and jumped. I thought of the consequences, most of the time at least, so I altered my "plans," but I always executed. Definitely Ariel who decided she wanted to be a human with legs. 

Once I grew up though and peer pressure got in the way, I became more like the Cowardly Lion. My brother now calls me that. He's always spot on, isn't he? I have all these ideas and plans that somehow just end up on paper and not always done. The boxes are left unchecked, looming on the page like sad dreams left behind. It's not just big plans like maybe one day starting a business that involves vegan food and clean living in general. Or traveling the world, not just the conventional vacation spots, but maybe riding horses across Patagonia. Or quitting and switching jobs (there's a big fat check on this!). It's also the small things. Like trying out a new look (recently though, I ended up dyeing my hair, which was such a random jump, but I love it). Or introducing myself to that cute guy I see every morning before the time is up. Or changing up my evening routine. 

The hesitation isn't necessarily rooted from the outcome, that perhaps I'll fail and fall flat on my face, that maybe rejection is all there is. No, it's not the results; rather, it's that initial step you take when you're about to delve into the unknown. Just taking the first step scares the sh*t out of me. So scared that I find myself paralysed and calming a panic attack. 

But then I think of all the times that I went ahead and jumped without any hesitation at all, without the thought of making a fool of myself, just the possibility of greatness and pure joy. I traveled all over the world on my own with such courage and little fear in my heart. I'm still up for that! I volunteered at a school in South East Asia even though the prospect of roughing it for a month was less than inviting to me. All the roller coasters that I rode, most of the time on my own. The bumper cars and crazy high rides that I take on with giddiness. Going to concerts on my own and enjoying the music, rather than feeling like a loser loner. Getting over my eating disorder, even though I was so scared of how that would turn out. I did it. Deciding to feel more like a girl in her 20s and partying with friends and meeting new people even when all I really crave is my bed and a good book. I'll always hesitate, it's part of being human, but I know that all in due time, my own time, when it's right, I'll know and I'll go for it. Every single to-do in my bucket list. Check, check, check. 

--- 

At this point, if you've read all that above, bravo. But what does this recipe have anything to do with courage? You see, back in my crazy ED days, I avoided all dried fruits. Even my beloved dried mangoes and medjool dates. Lately though, I've had such bad cravings for orchard dried fruits (pears, plums, apples) that I ended up buying a big bag and lo and behold, I made granola. There's no turning back. I'm hooked! 

Dried Orchard Fruits Granola

Makes 4-6 serving

Ingredients: