Every time I think about 2014, something keeps creeping it’s way into my head. Last year, I was following my joy. Ignoring words like “SEO relevancy” and “readership” and following my happy. The same little voice that came up with that crazy idea is uttering a new word and that word is courage. Eek!
As a natural introvert, courage means sharing more, trying more and making more. It means staying away from the lull of safe. There are secret things I want to get better and try out and this year I’m diving in.
For one, there is an essay I’ve been trying to write for 7 months and thinking about writing for over a year. It’s about quilting and it’s also not at all about quilting. I’ve written five drafts and shown it to no one but my husband. I hate it so much. I hate it so much that I put it aside and deem it awful. Thing is, I also love it so I keep coming back to it.
I have secret little dreams about submitting it but the research on doing that makes me freeze up; terrified and overwhelmed by the competition. My act of courage was to sign up for a year-long online writing course with the amazing Alice Bradley. I hope it doesn’t take me a year to write this short essay but writing practice and prompts are what I need to unstick myself. I hope improving my writing will also bring more of my stories to this little blog.
I’m also following along with a photography course (as well as I can by gleaning info from this free college syllabus). I am perpetually disappointed in my photos, they never quite capture the spirit of what I’m experiencing. And, I have a fancy camera, got it for my birthday, and I want to use it to it’s fullest potential. I’ve got no excuses. Gonna muster up that courage to experiment, take some pictures and see what happens! I might even share some of my photos here. You know, if I can move to Courage Stage 2.
Of course, the calendar is filing up with sewing classes, pattern tours and blog hops. Many of them new to me. I’ve got sewing projects and ideas galore, I am counting on courage to guide me toward tinkering on those without fear of failing. I am also banking on courage helping me share the failures because it isn’t all unicorns and rainbows at my cutting table…know what I mean?
I’m giggly-level excited, and mildly daunted, by all of it. What you got for 2014? Want to join me for this leap into courageous? Let’s be fierce together.
Courage was my word for 2013! I started my fabric store and my SEO / web design company last year and it took several attempts to get it right. I still have to find my word for 2014 but I sure hope its one of those: joy, peace or happiness. I wish you all the courage in the world for 2014 and if you ever need a pep talk – I am here!
Thanks so much Hannah! You certainly had courage in 2013, in heavy doses!
Hmmmm…2013 brought me balance for the first time since opening shop in 2009. I finally found balance and I enjoyed it oh so very much…as for 2014…I think the word is Decisions. Now that I’ve found my balance, what do I do….disrupt it with growth or leave it status quo for another year and enjoy being a calm working Mama…I guess we’ll see!!!
Congrats on the balance, that is a big one. You should know, however, that I have such funny reactions to your future forecasting. One the one hand, I got excited when you suggested you might be amping things up! Yay for new, exciting things! Then you said “calm mama” and I was like, “Yes. That sounds so good and sensible.”
I cannot wait to read that essay… I have a sneaking suspicion that I know its roots of inspiration, based on the tease of a picture I see/read here! Btw-you’re courageous beyond measure in my book. May 2014 rock you even more…xo
You do know, Julie. Of course, you do. 🙂 Let’s hope that soon enough you are proofreading it…eep!
Dear Melissa,
I have said this before-you have a way with words. Go for it! I would love to read that essay…I completely understand what are saying though.
As for photography. May I offer my help? I would be more than happy to meet with you and shoot together. It would be a lot of fun and we can cover all the technical aspects of photography as well. Just a thought. Or, we can launch some kind blog project?
Thanks so much Anna. And, what a sweet offer for a trip out shooting with you! I’ve got so much going on right now but can we keep that on the back burner. I’m positive I would glean so much from a photo trip with you!
Of course! 🙂
Courage… I need that this year too! I need to try new things and get uncomfortable. Glad you’ll be doing some of that too.
Perfect! We can egg each other on!
You are going to have an awesome 2014! I know you’ll rock the essay and what a great idea to follow along on the photography course. genius! Can’t wait to hear how it all plays out. I know it will be good
Thanks! This is exactly the encouragement that pushes me along.
I’m looking for a bit of courage this year, too; I want to focus on taking more risks, and giving things a go, even if they’re not perfect. All too often I play it safe and don’t try things because I’m afraid to fail.
Your essay sounds intriguing – I hope you find the courage this year to show it to someone else other than just your husband. One step at a time!
Thanks so much Ruth. To 2014!
Yes! Submit that essay. (And do I ever hear you on the photos. Though I think you do a pretty stand-up job.)
Thanks friend! I love your photos, by the way.