Dusting Off That Shelf
Saying Yes to Your Ideas
That Idea That Won’t Leave You Alone
Do you have an idea you’ve been putting off? Maybe it’s been sitting on the back burner for months… or even years.
Maybe you’ve thought of an app that would simplify everyday life.
Or a creative side business that keeps nudging at your heart.
Or a new system at work that could save your team hours each week.
Or even something deeply personal, like finally taking that painting class, launching a podcast, or yes—writing a book.
But then that voice shows up.
The little devil on your shoulder whispers:
“Who do you think you are?”
“That’s a dumb idea.”
“No one will care.”
And just like that, self-doubt convinces you to put it back on the shelf.
My Shelfed Dream
I know this dance well.
For me, it’s always been the dream of writing a book. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat down and typed a few sentences, outlined chapters, or daydreamed about the cover. And just as quickly, I’ve talked myself out of it.
But here’s the thing: I do love to write. My journals have always been my safe place, where emotions spill out freely. And over the past year, writing weekly blog posts for Fearless Journey has become a source of healing and connection.
The Invitation I Almost Ignored
Last week, an unexpected opportunity showed up. A friend invited me to a writer’s retreat. She’s a published author, and the instructor was another accomplished author, speaker, and coach.
I could have said no. I could have let insecurity win.
“What if I don’t belong there?”
“What if everyone else is better than me?”
“What if I embarrass myself?”
But instead… I said yes.
What I Learned By Saying Yes
And here’s what I discovered:
Yes, I felt out of my element.
Yes, I was surrounded by talented writers.
Yes, I was stretched and inspired.
No, I didn’t feel out of place.
No, my dream didn’t shrink.
No, I didn’t walk out an author—but I walked out one step closer.
Small Steps Change Everything
Will I ever publish a book? I don’t know yet. But what I do know is this: by taking that step, I feel more inspired, my confidence has grown, and my self-doubt has loosened its grip. And that feels like progress.
Every big dream starts with a single step. The first step is always the hardest, but it’s also the most powerful—it breaks the cycle of “someday” and moves you toward today.
So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign—this is it.
That idea you keep shelving? It’s waiting for you to say yes.
Journal Prompt……
What is one idea, dream, or project you’ve been putting on the shelf?
Write about the doubts or fears that have been holding you back, and then list one small, brave step you can take this week to bring it closer to life.
Let’s Walk Together in Faith & Friendship
If you’re craving connection with other women on a similar path, I invite you to join our private Fearless Friends Community Group Facebook group. It’s a safe space where we share encouragement, stories, resources, and reminders that we are never alone on this journey.
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