Take The Leap- Stepping Out Of My Comfort Zone

Take The Leap

As anyone in my family will tell you, I am not a big risk taker. I do not make large purchases, investments or decisions without tons of pre-planning. It takes me days to adjust to even the smallest change and my perfectionism requires things to be perfectly symmetrical, or I become the Grinch.

This being said, I have wanted to begin crocheting again, mostly for an outlet for my pain. Something to keep me occupied while I watch TV and sit on the sofa. I tend to be the Grinch when I am trying work or read on the computer and my teens decide it is time for random conversations. I swear, NO ONE wants my attention until I begin blogging or reading an article I truly want to read.

Anyway, I am not in the least bit a “seasoned” crocheter, I am more or less self-taught from watching others (being left-handed in a world of righties creates a bit of a learning curve). I have never, ever, ever, been able to make my lines end straight and honestly I do not have a project I really want to create right now, but to me that Size K crocheting needle I glimpsed in my sewing box is like a big red button saying “Try Me” I can beat you!

So, tonight I finally did! As I said, I had no specific project in mind, I just wanted to conquer that feeling of inadequacy. Knowing I have the tools but being afraid of failure in trying to use them.

I had my daughter grab some scrap yarn and I conquered that obnoxious needle. I used the entire remaining ball (mass really) of yarn and created this ~~uneven blob~~ beauty. I have decided it will be hung above my desk to remind me to just grab the needle and go!

We never learn until we try, and we never try until we take the leap.

I am sharing this tonight as a challenge to myself to “Take The Leap” and get myself back on track with the blogs ~~I am supposed~~ I was called to host.

I realize that in the grand scheme of things neither of my blogs reach a large audience, and some days I am not certain that the audience I do reach even enjoys the posts I publish. Yes, I have had a few good posts that have spread and are still being read and shared by thousands, but most days it feels as though I am just trudging along, living day to day and my blog truly isn’t missed.

I hate to admit it, but I am an individual who needs constant encouragement and approval for true motivation. Comments, likes, pins, shares and messages make my day, but when I write 2 or 3 posts and no one seems to comment, pin or share I begin to worry that I am doing something wrong, sharing too much, not enough or…. The list goes on and on.

This is not a pity party or a “please like and share beg. It is my reality and one of the reasons I haven’t rushed to get back to posting to the page, although I have several posts started. It is a kick to my own derriere. And yes, I can kick my own derriere! (It is rather large, and my EDS means I am flexible enough to do it.)

Remember, I am trying to be honest here.

By the way, it is okay to stop laughing, now.

Anyhow, back to “Taking The Leap“. I am Taking The Leap in several areas of my life. The most public being my blogs.

I have always been upfront and honest in my posts, and for some people the “non-pinterest worthy posts and photos” are a turn off. If that is the case…I am sorry, but I began this blog to have an outlet for myself, share information, fun ideas and my life and home with others, and that is what I hope to continue to do.

I do not make a profit from the blog, maybe one day, but right now I am not.even.close. I am often typing the blog at midnight after my family is in bed and I have a moment of peace and quiet, if you don’t count the cats running to and fro because it’s midnight and they are cats.

I love creating the projects, planning, scheming and sharing with others…I don’t so much enjoy the actual writing and completely fail at taking “pin worthy” photos. I will admit, I have no patience to prep, adjust the light, pose, upload, crop, retake, etc… I am doer, not a follow through afterwards kind of person.

I never know how much to share, keep to myself or demonstrate, and as we begin the new year I would like to ask the readers to give their input. It does not always need to be positive, but it does need to be honest. No, sugarcoating to help satisfy my need for encouragement, although positive thoughts and comments are welcome as well.

I want to learn, grow and encourage others through my blog and social media pages, and the only way I can do that is through honest feedback from my readers.

Earlier this year I promised a series on “One room, one month, one project at a time“ and I intend to deliver.

As of right now, if my daughter remains remotely well and her homeschooling takes off, I should be able to share my progress on a regular basis. As well as surprise achieved and failed attempts at the goings on in my regular life. Like putting my cell phone in my blizzard cup and freezing it overnight, read the story here on my chronic illness blog The Zippy Zebra .

If there is a theme, project, idea or “other” you would like me to share, OR if you have suggestions on what I can do to make the blog more interesting, please feel free to message me or comment below.

I intend to spend the end of the year revamping some of my previous posts, changing the layout slightly and prepping for a great new year as I “Take the Leap” and try to post because I enjoy it. The posts will probably not be winning any Pulitzer Prizes, but I hope I can at least keep the grammar and spelling under conrol.

I pray that all of you are able to find encouragement to do the same. “Take the Leap”. Step out of your comfort zone and try something you enjoy or have been afraid to do. I would love to see or hear about what you have done or want to attempt in the comments below. Photos and comments are welcome.

Just a reminder: Here’s my “Leap” and all it’s “warts” for the world, or at least my corner of it, to see.