Taking On Challenges

I wasn't sure whether to title this blog "Taking On Challenges" or "Facing Your Fears"... but, both seem fitting.

As I sit here in my little Chevak apartment, jamming out to music... I am just being in the moment. It dawned on me that I have faced a few challenges this year, that involved facing some fears. It is SUCH a good feeling to look back and see that I have not settled for stagnation, which is what it felt like at times.

In February I presented for my fourth time at an early childhood conference. For the past two years, I spoke on the same topic using the same slides. This year, I felt challenged to step out of my comfort zone and switch it up a little. It was scary. It caused some anxiety. But, it was AWESOME! I had such a wonderful group and received some great feedback... I walked away being so thankful that I chose to take the risk!

This year I was also approached by an acquaintance to host an artist here in our school for a couple of weeks. I was delighted and thrilled to think that our kiddos could have a visitor and an extra-curricular activity different from what they are familiar with. However, this required grant writing... a new territory for me. As I went through the steps, I was nervous and there were a few hurdles...  at times I wanted to let it go and say, "Maybe next year." But, I didn't. We had a wonderful artist who was patient and so helpful... and, in the end, our kids got to experience some new and fun art in the classroom. I still have some post-paperwork to complete, but am so glad that I didn't give up.

And, most recently... I have completed my grad school project. I am so silly when I think about it. You see, I always deem myself as very tech-illiterate (I know, funny seeing as I am a blogger). For my grad project, rather than writing a thesis, I chose to create a video project. This was ALL about technology! Lol. In my proposal, I wrote about the possible technical difficulties I might encounter with my project and I was dreading this aspect... I could have changed my mind and gone with a paper (and, I almost did!), but I pushed through. I knew what my passion and vision were, and I tried to take it one step at a time. I still have a few steps left before I can say that I am finish with grad school, but I can CLEARLY see the finish line from here!

As it turns out, I took a leap in my love life, as well. I have a really great guy in my life who I get to love and who loves me a whole lot in return. I remember reading a quote that talked about how if you don't let go and put your whole heart into it, you just might miss out on something amazing. Well, I have decided that this love thing is well worth the risks. It might cause some hurts, you might only be with someone for a season, or you might find your life partner. In any case,  as the old adage goes, "It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all." I love loving and I love being loved. Super thankful that I have taken this risk...

I have such a sense of relief. And, I am taking this moment to just be in the moment. I am thankful.

Cheers to taking risks!
Misty Dawn