First, amazing headline because when I saw a big CONGRATULATIONS in my inbox I thought I won something 😂😂😂 I had to click!
Second, I love you for posting this. It is SO true and it's also soooo the way I felt when I posted something FOR SALE on my pub the other day. I was so scared...even though I'd done the thing for a decade and know what I'm talking about!!! I've never sold or taught my knowledge before.
You've written all the encouragement anyone needs to take a leap of faith!
Kristi, you have no idea how much that means to me!!! 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗
You were one of the first people to encourage me and recommend me. I was absolutely floored! You're an experienced, successful travel writer and you were recommending ME???? I was astounded!
And the point is not lost on me that someone can do this for years and still feel uncomfortable going even slightly out of their lane to try something new. I'm so excited for you and for what you're offering to the world!!! It's truly a gift AND you 💯 deserve to be compensated for it! 👊💥
All those things right back at you, Jennifer! I love what you're doing, how you're exploring it, and the fact that your pub is called The Curiosity Project. That really encompasses where so many people are at these days...curious, experimenting, finding.
I stopped thinking and started writing. It's still and new thing for me and feels uncomfortable as hell. Hosting workshops, also something new I started doing that takes a lot of convincing myself I can do it...
I needed to read this. The silly thing is, I tell my daughter this all the time - "it's your first time doing <fill in whatever it is she is trying, horse riding, cartwheels, painting...> you can't expect to be good at it if you've never done it before. Practice makes better". But, somehow, it doesn't apply to me 😄.
Thank you! I'll save this and come back to read it when I need a reminder.
I'm SO glad it was helpful to you!! Every attempt is an opportunity to learn.
Isn't it funny how we often give the best advice to other people? I've found we also tend to be kinder and more compassionate to other people than we are with ourselves.
The sociologist/coach in me is more curious about the origins of people NOT thinking they have to be uncomfortable. I do think the inundation of "newer, sexier, easier," is to blame for a lot of it, and what I think is EVEN MORE INTERESTING is that any time someone comes up with a "new, sexy, easy" thing, people jump right on it like moths to flame. The truth is everything is done the same way- chop wood, carry water, day in, day out; a monotonous, irritating, decade of building mastery
This post is, in large part, your fault. I can't thank you enough, you pushy, bossy, open-hearted, nurturing, call-me-out-on-my-bullshit human. You've helped me clear a lot of the debris I used as an excuse to not show up, chop wood, carry water, day in, day out. Now every single step and swing of the ax is another step forward.
This! Why do we think we should be good at something we’ve not done before? That’s our ego, always trying to make us think we’re what we aren’t.
I started my newsletter recently and it was scary to think people would read my thoughts and maybe comment (read: judge me). I’m still scared but I’ll keep doing it anyway. So far so good.
And like Brene Brown said, “courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen”. These words are true for me now more than ever.
In today’s synchronicity, Steven Pressfield posted similar thoughts on IG that also resonated with me:
“Don't prepare, do. Don't let Resistance sucker you into wasting months on background, foundation, planning. All that can come later. What we need now is to get rolling. We need momentum. Energy.”
Dare I say that reading this post was highly uncomfortable for me…. Ok, I dared 😂 Mainly because trying new things have never been a problem per se… But my early mistakes aka my wobbly journey have often been mocked or highlighted by my peers… in a kind way to show me how unworthy of trying I was. No wonder I keep relying on my comfort zone to … well comfort me when I start doubting about my silly ideas to expand, develop, outgrow… I upcycle what I already master to start a fresh project. Thanks for sharing with that accuracy such a difficult perspective.
Purdey, my friend!!!! I'm so happy you're here and that you responded!!!
Dare I say that my initial reaction is to want to reach through the nostrils and rip out the gallbladder of anyone who would mock you or make you feel in any way unworthy of trying anything. 👿
Having now honored and released that desire 😂, I'd like to offer something I hope will be more helpful.
As a recovering Christian who now enjoys the practices of Buddhism, I believe all any living being wants is two things:
1 - to be happy and have the causes of happiness, and
2 - to be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.
That's it.
If whatever you do brings you happiness or frees you from suffering, then I honor that choice. If it does not, and the criticism of others is what keeps you from pursuing what does, then I honor that choice, as well.
Whatever you choose to pursue, I honor and support it, and I believe no one is unworthy of trying anything. 💖 💖 💖 💖 💖 💖
Jennifer, your kind words always feel like a 10-lbs Swiss chocolate tablet to me. Incredibly soothing and delicious.
I couldn’t help but think that your treatment idea may certainly honour and release your desire. That said, it looks excruciatingly painful 😥 (and absolutely hilarious) 🤣
After years of silent suffering to « respect » my elders, peers, family, and almost any living being on Earth, I vigorously cut chords with all of them. Picture a chubby younger me hanging a chainsaw with a sarcastic, yet creepy, laugh… wondering what else I can cut through.
I feel in the middle of the storm, at the moment. The EMDR therapy is highly draining and I’m ashamed to say I haven’t post anything here since February. I can’t keep up with anything for more than a nanosecond which leads me to believe I now have the attention span of a not so fresh whelk.
Keep writing, keep sharing, keep having fun baking dog treats or growing up orchids, or becoming an ultra marathoner. You’ll rock it.
Dear Wonderful Purdey, shame does not serve any purpose. We all need time for ourselves, to go dormant while we heal or grow or both. Sending you love and light, my friend.💖
I loved reading this because it resonates so much with the angel I keep on my shoulder who reminds me each week to just do the damn thing and write the fuckin shit. Meanwhile the devil is telling me no one cares, no one will read it, yadda yadda yadda. Never wrote about my depression before, so of course it feels uncomfortable. But then it feels awesome! , so just do it. Week on week, I second guess but hitting publish after saying EHH whatever, is getting easier and I love that for me.
That's awesome, Kathleen, and I love that for you, too!!
Breaking the silence on depression and anything mental health is SO deeply needed. I celebrate anyone who does that. ✨🎉🙌
When that devil is going, "No one cares, no one will read it," I like to flick it off my shoulder and say, "Well, I guess I have nothing to lose then!"
And if all else fails? I just hit Publish and go to bed. 🤷♀️ 😂 😴
LOL YES! Going to bed after hitting publish, huh? Guess I should stop reading my own post 4 times for spelling errors and clarity after publishing, smh.
You couldn’t have said it any perfectly. I’m an aspiring writer and have always been too timid and uncomfortable to start knowing I was going to be bad.
I decided to chase my dreams and just DO IT and now I am.
Ready to be uncomfortable and learn all I can every step of the way.
I have to ask you: how do you KNOW you're "going to be bad"?
"Bad" is a judgment and what one person thinks is "bad" is THAT PERSON'S judgment. We're not all for everyone. You put your work out into the world and the right people will find you.
I have so much to say here lol.
First, amazing headline because when I saw a big CONGRATULATIONS in my inbox I thought I won something 😂😂😂 I had to click!
Second, I love you for posting this. It is SO true and it's also soooo the way I felt when I posted something FOR SALE on my pub the other day. I was so scared...even though I'd done the thing for a decade and know what I'm talking about!!! I've never sold or taught my knowledge before.
You've written all the encouragement anyone needs to take a leap of faith!
Kristi, you have no idea how much that means to me!!! 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗
You were one of the first people to encourage me and recommend me. I was absolutely floored! You're an experienced, successful travel writer and you were recommending ME???? I was astounded!
And the point is not lost on me that someone can do this for years and still feel uncomfortable going even slightly out of their lane to try something new. I'm so excited for you and for what you're offering to the world!!! It's truly a gift AND you 💯 deserve to be compensated for it! 👊💥
All those things right back at you, Jennifer! I love what you're doing, how you're exploring it, and the fact that your pub is called The Curiosity Project. That really encompasses where so many people are at these days...curious, experimenting, finding.
Love it!
I stopped thinking and started writing. It's still and new thing for me and feels uncomfortable as hell. Hosting workshops, also something new I started doing that takes a lot of convincing myself I can do it...
I needed to read this. The silly thing is, I tell my daughter this all the time - "it's your first time doing <fill in whatever it is she is trying, horse riding, cartwheels, painting...> you can't expect to be good at it if you've never done it before. Practice makes better". But, somehow, it doesn't apply to me 😄.
Thank you! I'll save this and come back to read it when I need a reminder.
I'm SO glad it was helpful to you!! Every attempt is an opportunity to learn.
Isn't it funny how we often give the best advice to other people? I've found we also tend to be kinder and more compassionate to other people than we are with ourselves.
Create whatever you're moved to create! 💖 💖 💖 💖
The sociologist/coach in me is more curious about the origins of people NOT thinking they have to be uncomfortable. I do think the inundation of "newer, sexier, easier," is to blame for a lot of it, and what I think is EVEN MORE INTERESTING is that any time someone comes up with a "new, sexy, easy" thing, people jump right on it like moths to flame. The truth is everything is done the same way- chop wood, carry water, day in, day out; a monotonous, irritating, decade of building mastery
Gurllll... 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
This post is, in large part, your fault. I can't thank you enough, you pushy, bossy, open-hearted, nurturing, call-me-out-on-my-bullshit human. You've helped me clear a lot of the debris I used as an excuse to not show up, chop wood, carry water, day in, day out. Now every single step and swing of the ax is another step forward.
"Gurrrrrrl" (how NEW YORK of you!)
You make me cry. But you did it all. I possibly can take partial responsibility for the subhead. LOL
Love you. <3
💯 👊💥 💖
Great essay! Thank you !!
It’s funny - I needed to see this at the very moment it appeared. Thank you!
Very true… no matter your age!
This! Why do we think we should be good at something we’ve not done before? That’s our ego, always trying to make us think we’re what we aren’t.
I started my newsletter recently and it was scary to think people would read my thoughts and maybe comment (read: judge me). I’m still scared but I’ll keep doing it anyway. So far so good.
And like Brene Brown said, “courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen”. These words are true for me now more than ever.
Thanks for writing this post. ❤️
Thank you for reading, Oluwatobi! Brene is right (Isn't she always?).
I'm glad you've started your newsletter and I'm looking forward to reading more of your thoughts. Sending you love and light on your new journey!
Well said!
In today’s synchronicity, Steven Pressfield posted similar thoughts on IG that also resonated with me:
“Don't prepare, do. Don't let Resistance sucker you into wasting months on background, foundation, planning. All that can come later. What we need now is to get rolling. We need momentum. Energy.”
Dare I say that reading this post was highly uncomfortable for me…. Ok, I dared 😂 Mainly because trying new things have never been a problem per se… But my early mistakes aka my wobbly journey have often been mocked or highlighted by my peers… in a kind way to show me how unworthy of trying I was. No wonder I keep relying on my comfort zone to … well comfort me when I start doubting about my silly ideas to expand, develop, outgrow… I upcycle what I already master to start a fresh project. Thanks for sharing with that accuracy such a difficult perspective.
Purdey, my friend!!!! I'm so happy you're here and that you responded!!!
Dare I say that my initial reaction is to want to reach through the nostrils and rip out the gallbladder of anyone who would mock you or make you feel in any way unworthy of trying anything. 👿
Having now honored and released that desire 😂, I'd like to offer something I hope will be more helpful.
As a recovering Christian who now enjoys the practices of Buddhism, I believe all any living being wants is two things:
1 - to be happy and have the causes of happiness, and
2 - to be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.
That's it.
If whatever you do brings you happiness or frees you from suffering, then I honor that choice. If it does not, and the criticism of others is what keeps you from pursuing what does, then I honor that choice, as well.
Whatever you choose to pursue, I honor and support it, and I believe no one is unworthy of trying anything. 💖 💖 💖 💖 💖 💖
Jennifer, your kind words always feel like a 10-lbs Swiss chocolate tablet to me. Incredibly soothing and delicious.
I couldn’t help but think that your treatment idea may certainly honour and release your desire. That said, it looks excruciatingly painful 😥 (and absolutely hilarious) 🤣
After years of silent suffering to « respect » my elders, peers, family, and almost any living being on Earth, I vigorously cut chords with all of them. Picture a chubby younger me hanging a chainsaw with a sarcastic, yet creepy, laugh… wondering what else I can cut through.
I feel in the middle of the storm, at the moment. The EMDR therapy is highly draining and I’m ashamed to say I haven’t post anything here since February. I can’t keep up with anything for more than a nanosecond which leads me to believe I now have the attention span of a not so fresh whelk.
Keep writing, keep sharing, keep having fun baking dog treats or growing up orchids, or becoming an ultra marathoner. You’ll rock it.
Dear Wonderful Purdey, shame does not serve any purpose. We all need time for ourselves, to go dormant while we heal or grow or both. Sending you love and light, my friend.💖
Now I know why I enjoy bears that much… they go dormant half of the year. 😋 Thanks a lot Jennifer, it’s always a treat to talk with you.
You, too, Purdey. 💐 ❤️
Thank you for this.
I am finally practically, actively programming whereas before I was only watching YouTube videos and follow along.
It’s nerve wracking because I don’t want to make mistakes or mess up what I have. But this is the only way.
Thank you
I'm glad you found it helpful!
I know what you mean about not messing up what you have. This is why I save early and often and then make a copy. 🤣
YEAAAAAH
Good timing. I was just feeling uncomfortable about something new I'm about to do. Thank you!
DO IT!!!!! 📣 🎉 ✨🎆🌟
I loved reading this because it resonates so much with the angel I keep on my shoulder who reminds me each week to just do the damn thing and write the fuckin shit. Meanwhile the devil is telling me no one cares, no one will read it, yadda yadda yadda. Never wrote about my depression before, so of course it feels uncomfortable. But then it feels awesome! , so just do it. Week on week, I second guess but hitting publish after saying EHH whatever, is getting easier and I love that for me.
That's awesome, Kathleen, and I love that for you, too!!
Breaking the silence on depression and anything mental health is SO deeply needed. I celebrate anyone who does that. ✨🎉🙌
When that devil is going, "No one cares, no one will read it," I like to flick it off my shoulder and say, "Well, I guess I have nothing to lose then!"
And if all else fails? I just hit Publish and go to bed. 🤷♀️ 😂 😴
LOL YES! Going to bed after hitting publish, huh? Guess I should stop reading my own post 4 times for spelling errors and clarity after publishing, smh.
Thank you so much for this 💜 im rifht I’m the thick of feeling uncomfortable. I’m about to breakthrough 💜
DO IT!!!!! We're all cheering for you!!!!
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
Thank you 🙏
You couldn’t have said it any perfectly. I’m an aspiring writer and have always been too timid and uncomfortable to start knowing I was going to be bad.
I decided to chase my dreams and just DO IT and now I am.
Ready to be uncomfortable and learn all I can every step of the way.
I'm so glad you're doing it, Kay!
I have to ask you: how do you KNOW you're "going to be bad"?
"Bad" is a judgment and what one person thinks is "bad" is THAT PERSON'S judgment. We're not all for everyone. You put your work out into the world and the right people will find you.
Please, please, please don't stop, Kay!! #TeamUncomfortable
That’s exactly it, I was judging myself before I even tried.
Changing that mentality is so important in every thing we do.
Nice post to start your day with, thanks ! But the dark blue background here is a bit heavy in my view....
Thanks, Glenn. I'm glad you liked the post and I appreciate the feedback on the colors.