I am working on a big project; it will put myself out in my world in a big way. Yesterday as I walked down 12th street to the nearest grocery store to get some bread, which at times seems to be the very staple of life, I let the doubt creep into my mind.
What would others think of my project? Would I be good enough? Can I really pull this off or am I just trying to work on another pipe dream that I won't stay with to completion? This seems to be a pattern I get into. Where would this idea go?
As I walked the second block I started to wonder if others had these thoughts. Trying a new job? Moving somewhere new? How do they push their fears aside and just keep moving forward? Ten more steps and it came to me that you just have to walk through those fears; you have to not care what anyone else thinks. I would have to revert to the saying that I would often tell my children, "What is the worst thing that could happen?" I am rejected? It is all for naught?
Ten more steps helped me decide it doesn't matter if I fail, it doesn't matter if the world isn't in sync with my idea. Ten more steps and I couldn't wait to get home to get to work on it.
I recently heard on a podcast, what others think of me is none of my business. Through the years of told others, I don't care what people say behind my back, talk away. Just don't ever let me know and we are good. If that is how I have truly felt then it's time to move forward. What is the worst thing that can happen anyway? I write and no one reads? I find joy in writing; it is my happy creative place.
I will keep moving forward; pushing the negative Nelly thoughts aside when they creep in. It's time to create and challenge.
Here's to all of the people who take the extra steps to make their lives what they want them to be! Take on the world! I will stay in step with you along the way.
