I Should Have Been Brave!

Here I am relaxing in my art shed with my parents’ dog, who often visits while I work. On my lap are the business cards I designed about three years ago. At the time, I was so excited—I had created a logo, picked one of my favorite quotes for the back, and was all ready to print. But I kept going back and forth on one thing: should I put my website on the cards?

The truth is, I didn’t have a website yet, and I wasn’t sure if I ever would. I kept thinking, No, don’t put it on there—what if it never happens? As much as I dreamed about it, I didn’t fully believe I’d follow through because I always put it on the back burner in the past. So I played it safe.

Now, looking back, I’m a little bummed. Not because the cards didn’t turn out beautifully—they did—but because I didn’t take a chance on myself. I didn’t have enough faith in my own dream. And now? I’m hand-writing my website on the back of every card. It’s a small thing, but it reminds me of a bigger lesson.

So please—learn from me: Be brave and do the damn thing.
Even if it scares you. Especially if it scares you.

Fear will show up at every step of the way. That’s its job. Just recognize it, thank it for trying to keep you safe, and move forward anyway. You’re worth betting on. Trust me—your future self will thank you.