Just Go For It...

If only you knew how long it has taken me to get here—this post, message, new venture, whatever you want to call it. It feels like forever and in some ways it is. It has taken my entire life and all the experiences that have come with it to find something that brings me a feeling of purpose and fulfillment, this is it. As much as I looked forward to this moment, there were so many things that held me back, time management, excuses, fear, ...many considerations. But here I am, going for it!

I've wanted to share my experiences, as someone who has benefited from others who have shared their stories, which has allowed me to feel a sense of community and comfort, a little less alone in the world with the challenges life brings. Through this process of starting something new, I've learned a few things, that have allowed me to get to this point.

"Start with something...anything!"

Start. Getting started can be one of the hardest things, at least it is for me. I struggle to get going with something, anything. For me, I imagine what I want something to look like at its best and expect nothing less, even from the beginning. Maybe this is me creating unrealistic expectations in the learning process, possibly a little bit of perfectionism, who knows? But what I did discover starting this process, is that it doesn't have to be perfect, it can grow and become better as I do. But if I don't get started, I never allow myself that opportunity. Yes, I have plenty of ideas that I feel would help expand what I want this to look like and the inspiration I hope to create in others' lives as those I have been able to experience virtually and in person. To do any of this, grow, share, and prayerfully change lives, I have to start.

Starting is one thing, but as I decided to do this, I also had to have a reason why and a purpose for continuing.

"Find you're why."

During the pandemic, as were many people, I felt very isolated. The world on the other side of this season was life-changing.

I loved watching YouTube vlogs and Instagram lives of people I genuinely felt inspired by. Don't get me wrong, I don't believe these virtual spaces should replace the in-person relationships that we nurture. But I can appreciate those who decide to share and allow others who relate to their experiences to learn, it's not just you. I loved experiencing a community. Though I didn't have any communication virtually, it was at times entertaining to see others enjoying moments in life, while at other times comforting to hear how others have made it through challenging situations.

I want to contribute in the same area where I have felt the most connected. Hopefully, I can provide tips and tricks that I have found the most effective or just a thought that brings a moment of comfort or strength to push through in a season that might relate to one of yours. My life and experiences won't be for everyone but, hopefully, one. And that one is my why.

As inspired as I have felt, the terrified feeling I have had to try something new has been just as powerful.

"Do it scared."

'I can do hard things'; this has been an affirmation that I have benefitted from incorporating into the language that I use to push myself. Starting this process is one of them. It can be terrifying to start something new, to put your thoughts and feelings out there for anyone to respond however they feel. Thinking, I hope this turns out, with so many unknowns ahead. But during those moments choosing to do it, scared, worried, concerned, if it can help, even just a little bit, could make it all worth it. There have been plenty of moments in my life where I have used this motivation; stories for another time. Even in the failure of some moments that I have pushed through while trying something new, whether a practical lesson or about myself and what I am capable of has allowed me to prepare for the future and more challenging situations, it all became worth it. It will be hard, it is hard, it will be scary, it is scary, but I can do hard things.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not claiming to have all of the answers. I am learning and growing as we all are and will forever continue to do. I'm here to share where my journey has brought me so far and what I have learned until now. I hope this allows one person to find inspiration, one thing that encourages them in any experience in their life. As this grows, I hope to share more and hear more to create a community of people who inspire, encourage, and support each other through life, one moment at a time.

💞 Courtney