There have been countless times this past year when I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone. Some things are bigger, like the BHG challenge, finally doing our mudroom, driving hours away to meet a new blog friend, deciding to move to the Village. Some things will seem small and silly to you like finally casting fear aside to make a Christmas stocking, trying a new creative technique or after months of wanting a new blog banner, finally just trying to see if I could do it. Guess what? I did it and I love it.
The thing I need to remember is if I don't ever take a risk or try something new, I will fail every time. If I put myself out there I will fail some of the time and succeed some of the time too. But even when I fail, I will hold my head high because I know I tried. I didn't let fear get the best of me. That's a lesson I always want to remember.
I am a longtime reader of your blog, but tend to lurk. Thought I'd stop by and say how much I love your new banner. It looks fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI totally understand about fear - dealing with it and letting it go is a constant challenge.
Love your new banner! I admire you for having the courage to step out.I need to do that a little more often. Happy Monday to you! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the new banner and just thought I would tell you how much I know how you feel, I let fear rule my life and it is so hard to change it, I try to talk myself through it but there are always the what if's that get in the way!!
ReplyDeleteHugs~Kelly
Jen, your new banner is gorgeous! I completely understand what you are saying about fear because I let it get in the way too often. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAnd you always inspire us!
ReplyDeleteIt is so easy to let the fear take over. Good for you on telling it to be quiet!
ReplyDelete~Michelle
Beautiful message! Can't wait to see what new things you will try!
ReplyDeleteYOU DID GREAT! You are so creative and I love it. I love this post and it IS inspiring.
ReplyDeleteJen, I love your new banner!! I adore the photos you chose for it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on trying something new ... you are an inspiration.
melissa
You go girl! Fear of looking stupid keeps me from so much. Time to get over that! I love your banner (loved the old one too) and am so impressed that you did it on your own. Do you hire out?
ReplyDeleteHi Jen! I read your post and had to click on the "Village" Link. I have to say that I am right there with ya! We are simplifying too so that we can achieve our goals for the future. I LOVE the idea of a quaint small town...just like you said...everything at your fingertips with safety though. Is there really a place that exists like that? :)
ReplyDeleteLanie
This was so uplifting! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJen...your new banner is lovely! I'm so glad you won't let fear stop you...keep going with that. Somewhere along the road of life I heard a saying 'anything worth doing, is worth doing poorly at first'....not sure if I have that COMPLETELY right, but imagine learning to play the guitar, or anything else....you aren't going to do it perfectly on the first time. I always think of Thomas Edison when I think of failure. How many times did he fail in inventing the light bulb?
ReplyDeleteI know all about fear....let me tell you...with what I've got going on now on Wed. on the blog (the whole weight thing)...I have a lot of fear, but I'm just facing it head on.
Be inspired. You inspire us.
YOU DID IT & IT LOOKS REALLY LOVELY!!! you are wonderful....smile REALLY BIG about yourself!!! : ) i've been reading your blog.....forever....but you know that....xoxo!
ReplyDeleteYour new banner is fantastic! I am like you as well, I let fear dictate what I do sometimes. Not anymore, I'm really trying!! Good for you :)
ReplyDeleteKristi
Loved this post, Jen. Like Claudia, I tend to mostly lurk here, but your words reminded me of a favorite quote and I want to share it with you:
ReplyDelete“Come to the edge, he said. They said: We are afraid. Come to the edge, he said. They came. He pushed them and they flew.” ~ Guillaume Apollinaire
I call the art I make Art~Play, because failure isn't a part of playing - only fun and learning.
:) Zuzu
Good Morning ~
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. Well written and thoughtful. I think you are the voice of so many of us...just imagine what we could all do together...just look at the support and love in the blog world.
Your banner is delightful.
Have a wonderful holiday and bravo to you brave gal!
Smiles ~ Ramona
love the new look! happy holidays!
ReplyDeleteloving your new blog banner!!
ReplyDeleteBravo!!!
ReplyDeletek
Great for you for going for it!
ReplyDeleteyou go girl!! Leave the fear at home!!
ReplyDeletexoxo, Tiffany
Love the new banner! It adds the perfect personal touch to your blog.
ReplyDeleteI totally hear what you are saying..........I am often afraid to take risk because I might fail or that it will not turn out perfect. I think it is wonderful that you have come to this point where you will just jump out there. We all need to do it more often.....thanks for the inspiration. Just what I need to hear!
ReplyDelete