I remember when I stood alone in front of three well-established businessmen pitching a business idea as part of business competition for students. The winners would get a sum of money to help fund their business. 

I worked extremely hard to put together a business plan with all the necessary details including the market, the financials, etc… I called the business Via Student and the idea was to create a market to sell student-made products at bookstores, local gift shops, and other places. A portion of the sales would go back to students to help them pay for their education.  

I practiced and practiced my pitch. The day came and my nerves couldn’t be calmed. As I stood in front of these businessmen, I couldn’t help but think what the hell am I doing here? This was not a good idea. I didn’t belong here.

So I rushed through the presentation, spitting out words and numbers as I could feel my voice crack. I took a big sigh of relief when it was over. 

That was uncomfortable. 
That was unfamiliar. 
That was scary. 

I walked out feeling relieved that I did it. At the same time, I walked out feeling I could have done it better. I let my doubts take a hold of me. I let the voice inside telling me I shouldn’t venture out to the world of the unknown take a hold of me.

I had an amazing opportunity to learn and grow from this experience at the moment I was in the experience. I let some of the best knowledge go unrealized by facing the world outside my comfort zone. 

I didn’t win the competition. 

One lesson I did take away was I can do scary things, no matter how hard it may seem. The one challenge I took away was I can do scary things, and I want to do them the best that I can. 

As we get older, we become more set in our ways. We tend to stay in the realm of what is familiar because familiarity doesn’t take us to a place of unknown. Familiarity is safe. We are creatures of habits and it’s hard to break what we’ve taken years to build. 

I’ve had many opportunities since my business pitch to take on scary things in different areas of my life including my career, relationships, and creative practice.

I have another opportunity to do something scary and I am quite nervous about it. I will be reading one of my pieces on stage in front of a live audience at the Utah Arts Festival. I will be part of a Color Collective representing the BIPOC community for the Literary Arts Program.

I’ve never shared my writing on a public stage. I’ve barely shared my writing with my close family and friends. Hundreds of people’s eyes will be on me on center stage. A place I would rather not stand in but know it’s exactly where I need to be at this present moment.

I’ve sheltered my creative soul away from the light it needs to flourish. I’ve protected it from the contrast needed to strengthen its roots. I’ve ignored the impulses to surround myself in a nurturing environment. It’s time to say goodbye to the familiar and do the scary thing better.

When you think about pursuing your passion, what scares you?
What’s one thing you know you want to do but have been scared to? 

I would love to hear!

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