do one thing every day that scares you

Tucked into the mirror frame above my dresser, hanging somewhat crookedly, is a card that says . . .

Such a large proclamation for a small card. It winks at me every morning and I nod back. I’d like to say that I’ve carried out courageous, stealthy acts since hanging it, and while this wouldn’t be altogether untrue, I’ll admit to being more enamored of the sentiment than accomplishing any high wire acts of bravery.

But now, a year later, all that winking feels more like a beacon flashing—unmistakable and unavoidable—casting its light on my procrastination and side-stepping, my loose and unraveling ends, and beckoning me to sail toward those fears.

So I’ve set myself a challenge: to confront and write about One Thing that requires embracing, or wrestling with, getting messy or stuck-in with, every day for the next five days. And already I’m feeling unease percolate in my belly! Gulp. But it occurs to me that it’s not the act of falling from a tightrope that quakes most of us, it’s sometimes those far smaller challenges that set off seismic reactions: an unopened stack of bills; a closet that requires cleaning; emails that go unanswered; a phone call that needs returning; an apology that needs to be offered.

This is me, pulling on my red boots and trusting my cape, heading straight toward acts of bravery, perhaps BIG, but certainly small. And I’ll try not to shut my eyes . . . I hear the landing is safer if you don’t.

Tomorrow is kick-off, and your small cheers or raucous WHOOPS! are all welcome! I’ll be introducing each entry with a photo by the courageous, Wonder-Of-A-Woman, 18-year old Whitney Justesen of California, who has been pursuing photography for only one year. Her work inspires and propels me, and I thank her again for letting me share it with you. Here’s a sneak peek.

bliss ♥