My Journey to Starting Something New

For years, I’ve tried different things to keep myself busy—things I could look at and say, “I did that!” It’s not being self-centered; it’s proving something to myself. But recently, I’ve realized something important: It’s time to put myself first.

The kids? They’re off living their best lives. I’m no longer cooking dinner for picky eaters, playing chauffeur for endless extracurricular activities, or hosting sleepovers for other people’s kids. And while that freedom is exciting, it also left me a lot of time to reflect.

That’s when it hit me—I’ve been holding myself back. There’s a tug at my heart, a desire to start something, but fear keeps creeping in. Fear of what my friends might think, their judgments, and the awkwardness of unanswered calls when they see my number pop up.

But deep down, I know the real issue isn’t my friends. It’s my confidence—or maybe, my fear of failure. They say failure is just an opportunity for growth, but let’s be honest: it’s hard to step out of your comfort zone when doubt is whispering in your ear.

Still, something tells me it’s time to silence that voice and stop wondering “what if” and start asking “Why not?”