Take the Next Brave Step
How making a move illuminates where you're going.
Trusting yourself is a journey. Every day is an opportunity to know yourself a little more.
It’s one of the reasons why I believe deeply in creating - making what lights you up.
When you create, you find another piece of yourself. The joy, delight, and ideas that might have eluded you.
Especially when we are surrounded by so much noise, so many opinions. It’s a heck of a lot to process. I’m not convinced it was what our human nervous systems were designed to manage.
Creating is a road back to myself. It’s a doorway to my soul. And a window to my deepest desires.
When I sit down and put a pen to paper or my fingers on a keyboard, I remember what matters. I see what makes me smile. I chase an idea that lights up my heart. And suddenly, I am a powerful being in charge of herself again.
Like when we were five years old dictating the rules of an imaginary kingdom.
If you’re stuck, take a step anyway.
The beautiful gift of making a move is that it reveals something to you. I write about this a lot in Joyful Creating. Because I have experienced it often.
Truth be told, I get stuck a lot. In my thoughts. In my routines. In my assumptions.
So I’ve created a practice of shaking those up. Changing my view. Going to a new place. Daring to write something before I feel ready. Putting a note into the Substack universe that makes me nervous.
The smallest steps reveal so much. Even when the main thing they were meant to show you is that you have agency.
Our biggest desires stir up big doubts.
I believe that faith and doubt are partners. Just like creativity and fear are partners.
Maybe they signed some crazy soulmate contract back when humans were a gleam in some goddesses’s eye. But that seems to be the deal here on earth.
Emotions come bound up together. And when we do brave things, we get the whole package.
I’ve seen some lovely Notes this week about this truth - from
& . I love when the Substack universe shows me other creatives living this truth and maing their bold moves.Even ~ and especially ~ when it feels challenging. That, to me, is part of the contract of being a brave creative soul.
Dare to be brave, even in the tiniest moves.
It’s easy to believe that others glide along in life. I blame Instagram (kidding, not kidding).
It’s probably a human trait to look at other people and assume that their life is easier. Or to position ourselves as superior. Like we have it together more than someone else.
Nope. We’re all wrestling with doubts and fears. We all face sadness and heartbreak. We all have dreams that worked out, and some that didn’t.
When I remember that we’re all so very, deeply human, it gives me peace. It releases that need to do things right and opens a door to do what makes me smile.
If I have discovered anything on the creative path it’s that when I do brave things, I feel proud. I remember how capable I am. And I feel like I am the champion of my life. (Maybe that’s what main character energy is all about. ;)
Even when you don’t feel ready, make a shift.
Moves don’t need to be huge. I’ve made that mistake before. The smallest shift can bring big relief. Sometimes it’s as little as sending a text. Or writing in your journal. Or talking to a friend.
Sometimes it’s daring to see your dream and say it out loud to yourself.
I believe in little moves. The shifts that give you just enough perspective to see the next step. I’m not sure that we’re ever meant to see the whole path. Otherwise, why would we need courage? Or faith?
Maybe we need just enough courage to move forward.
And one last thought … it makes a big difference to be near other brave souls. Whether in your creative posse or in a lovely corner of the universe like Substack.
Seeing others be brave can be the light that illuminates your next step.
I’m over here taking my step. And rooting for yours.
xo Kate
P.S. If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I’d love if you bought me a coffee. It’s the elixir that keeps my words flowing. Thanks!
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The moves you make when you don’t feel ready are usually the ones you needed the most. Loved this, Kate, thank you so much for sharing.
This felt like a gentle push in the right direction! Loved the reminder that bravery isn’t a big leap, it’s the tiny, shaky step we take *anyway.* Thanks for this Kate!