Some of us fall in line,
All of us have a friend,
In Jesus.
Some of us live in fear,
Some of us persevere,
Knowing that you are near me…
I’m fearless…
Fearless- DC Talk
At the beginning of the year I set myself some words that I wanted to focus on. I’ve find this so helpful so far; it’s helped me to focus on important things, and it’s also stopped me from posting random Internet dribble.
One of the words that I haven’t really embraced so far, is Fearless (unless of course you count singing a song to my washing machine.)
Although its a great thing to aspire to, it’s also the easiest to ignore. Being fearless doesn’t not mean having no fear; it means moving forward inspire of it. And that’s scary.
You almost have to be fearless to try to be fearless, if that makes any sense at all.
Image credit
Last week I received an email from Tam from Around Here. She asked if I would be a featured blogger on her blog and answer some questions. Of course, I totally agreed and the post was published yesterday.
One of her questions was, ‘why did you start blogging?’
I remember the moment when I decided I was going to blog. It was somewhere on the highway between Alice Springs and Dunmarra, and I was contemplating the coming year. I had a couple of books I’d written and I wanted to publish them. One was typed and needed editing, the other handwritten. My goal was to publish last year. To get home from our holidays, and lookup options and ways to move forward. Somewhere in my random thought pattern, I decided that perhaps I would start blogging too. Maybe get myself out there a little bit and have a place to sell said books, and maybe a few people to read them.
It was a good plan, and it was going well. I started my patch of interwebz, I contacted publishers and sourced details, then gave up because the waiting time was so long, and decided to self publish. I still get emails every day reminding me of this.
I have a friend whose has editing experience so she looked the first one over, and I emailed copies to some trusted friends for their opinions.
And then the fear set in.
Because despite positive feedback from most people, constructive feedback from two, left me gutted and doubting any kind of ‘talent’ or purpose that I thought I had.
Whilst I haven’t admitted that those emails stopped me, and could blame my inactivity on a bunch of other stuff, the fact of the matter is that since then, I haven’t done a thing.
I haven’t even thought about it.
Until last week.
The email from Tam was a wakeup call, reminding me of my initial goal. (Thankyou)
Then Saturday night a friend asked me what I was doing with the books, making the observation that if I had contacted those publishers who I ignored because of their long waiting times, I would have heard something by now.
Thanks Hannah for that dose of reality.
As if that wasn’t enough, today (Monday) I got this.
I’m pretty sure that three reminders in one week is some kind of sign. Get over the fear, and just do it. They are not doing anyone any good, sitting on the computer (or in a pink notebook with toy story stickers all over it), and I’m not moving forward if I let two comments hold me back.
So I’ve decided that one day a week I’m going to set aside for book stuff. No blogging and limited social media, and just getting back to where I first started out.
Being fearless and true and realising that yes, I do have something to say, and people do like to listen to it.
In many ways blogging has removed my focus, by providing instant writing gratification and an addiction to twitter that is at times all consuming. But it has also given me so much more confidence too. For the first time in years, I feel like I am moving forward as me, not ‘just a mum’ but a woman who was created for more than cooking, cleaning and changing dirty nappies.
So I guess I just wanted to put this out here, and make myself accountable to more people. This community of Tuesday readers and linkers who I love, and who inspire me to write more. Please ask me if I’m moving forward. Tell me to get off facebook on Wednesdays (my book day) and be proactive. And if anyone knows any literary agents, please hook me up. 
Help me be fearless.
Hey, let’s just be fearless together.
Is there something you have been wanting to do, but are too scared of?
Are you a literary agent or publisher who wants to see my manuscript?
Hey Jess, I think someone’s trying to tell you something
Glad I could be a messenger. I can’t wait to read your books. Get to it!
Tam recently posted..Breaking up the band
Thanks Tam. And thanks for asking me to be a part your featured blogger project.
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Fearless
Great post, Jess. Will remember to remind you.
I remember your 5 words for 2012. I’ve wanted to be fearless, brave, courageous this year too. I need to with little things, for example, I think fear in a strange way makes me procrastinate as much as I do. But in a big way, it would have to do with my job. I’ve been in that office and role for almost 14 years. I think it might finally be time for change but it’s all kinds of scary to go there.
P.S: I’ve accidentally added the wrong icon to my post (Accidental Wonderland) instead of my own button for Mixed Gems. Not sure if you can fix it. It used to give me the option to delete but I can’t see that today. I can’t repost the same link with the new icon either. If it can’t be changed, then I apologise for all the confusion I’m about to cause!
Veronica @ Mixed Gems recently posted..Torn
Changing from a job you know so well would definitely be scary. But think how good it will feel to face the fear and learn something new! You can do it; I have total faith in you.
And sorry aout the thumb link. I forgot to tick the box that lets you delete your own links, and I can’t change it witnout risking losing it altogether.
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Fearless
Fearless is my one word for 2012 – Fear has held me back in every way since I recovered from PND (i simply lost my ability to dive into things, feel confident, take chances etc)
I definitely believe in signs and the universe is telling you something. I also want to write books and happen to be doing a family re-charge course online (as part of my attempts to reconnect with my family and nothing to do with writing) and there in my group is a book writing coach! who I immediately got in touch with. Her site is awesome and she has a 7 day free course to give you a few tips. Anyway check out her site if you want a few extra pushes or ideas… you can do it! http://www.lisatener.com/
Deb @ Home life simplified recently posted..How to achieve your goals – 7 tips to set yourself up for success
Thanks Deb, I will check that out tomorrow!
It’s funny how different things work for different people. In some ways I think the PND has given me a greater push, because I spent so much time living in a dark place, I want to jump into everything!
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Fearless
Yay Jess. I think I remember back in the deep, dark past you mentioning the writing of a book… Hope you can move through the constructive criticism (can be so hard) and push on with your goals. I love your last quote about “do not be afraid” being in the Bible 365 times… fearless. (PS. I struggle with fearlessness too – even about which blog posts to publish/ not publish!)
Julie recently posted..The myth of parental control
Yes it’s hard with some posts; I was never outs about the discipline one I wrote the other day.
I love that quote too. I saw somewhere that it’s in the Bible 366 days, so we are good in a leap year, but couldn’t find that one, and don’t know which is true. Not going to count it all the times to find out either. I’ll just accept it.
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Fearless
Someone is trying to tell you something! Fear can hold us back from so much – I’ve lived a life of it (self-doubt etc). Mr Nike was very wise when he said “Just Do It!” What’s the worse that can happen? We can fail. We can be disappointed. But on the other hand, if we pick ourselves up again, what’s the best that can happen? That is the unknown – and it is limitless. Go for it Jess! Get writing
(We must be on a similar wavelength at the moment, because I wrote my post today with fear as my motivator.)
Debbie @ Aspiring Mum recently posted..To Be Extraordinary.
Fear is such a horrible thing; so debilitating. I’ve had so much of it since I wrote this post. I’ve got the message, but not I’m along with the attack.
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Red Cup Blue Cup
How exciting Jess. I look forward to hearing how it all goes
Thanks Lisa.
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Red Cup Blue Cup
You wrote a book?! How awesome are you. 3 signs in one week!
Someone is definitely trying to tell you something!
Best of luck with it all Jess
Amy recently posted..Don’t Worry Be Happy
Thanks Amy. Three in one week is definitely something!
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Red Cup Blue Cup
This is one of my favorite quote – ” if your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough”. I am glad this dream of writing and publishing books scare the shit out of you
Be fearless Jess, we are here to support you 
Ai Sakura recently posted..Dinner @ Sushi Tei, Serangoon Gardens
That is an awesome quote! And thanks for the support.
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Red Cup Blue Cup
I would definitely take that as a sign. Look forward to hearing what happens
Mrs Savage recently posted..Mother Guilt
[...] up with Jess from Diary of a Stay At Home Mum [...]
Fear holds me back. All the time. Daily. I want to write a book, but I don’t even start because I am afraid. My grandfather told me, practically daily, that I couldn’t write, that I couldn’t make a living publishing books and I have spent so long believing that. This year I am trying to leave that behind.
Thanks for this post. It’s so east to just be afraid. It’s easy to run away because you’re not comfortable and you’ve inspired me to face some of those fears head on!
And that photo is so precious! Love that little boy’s obvious fearlessness.
Becky from BeckyandJames.com recently posted..I Love Personal Space
Becky, if you want to write then write. Maybe you won’t retire on it, but if it makes you happy and touches others then do it!
My dad said much the same thing (he is quite old so possibly the same era). I just choose to believe I can do it anyway.
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Red Cup Blue Cup
good on you Jess. I’m intrigued to find out more!
Mandy recently posted..Sentimental Summer ~ Getaway
Jess this is very exciting! I am a big believer in listening to the signs and I think this is your time to make this happen, fearlessly.
I am behind you every step of the way and can’t wait to see you in ‘real’ print xx
Erin @ Eat Play Bond recently posted..Is There Ever Any Satisfaction With Now?
Thanks Erin. You are awesome!
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Red Cup Blue Cup
Fabulous Jess…I think we could all use a little fearlessness every now and then. And yes i agree, whilst I am not superstitious, I still think you should take heed of the signs. Anything that helps motivate us has got to be a god thing
Martine@themodernparent recently posted..I dont care if you smack or breastfeed: What really makes for great parents
I’m not superstitious either. If anything I think it’s God trying to get my attention, and it’s worked!
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Red Cup Blue Cup
What can I say Jess, I’ve been there. For ages my blog was private… only for the eyes of those quite close to me.
It took a lot of encouragement from many of those people to make it public.
Go girl! We all look forward to this installment!
I’m so glad you did make it public.
It took me ages to tell anyone about mine too, but I’m glad I have now. They know me better.
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Red Cup Blue Cup
Wow, a book you clever thing! I say go for it!!! I bet your book will be as great as your blog. Even if it doesn’t pan out the way you hoped, then at least you will never regret not giving it a chance..it’s better than wondering what could have been!
Nicole (SportyMummy) recently posted..Reward Charts: Making School Work Matter
So very true!
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Red Cup Blue Cup
Do it!! Fate is definitely telling you its time!!!
Good Luck and can’t wait to see the post of your road to becoming published!!
xx
Yvette @ DTlilsquirts recently posted..Wedding Update – 7 weeks left
That’s so exciting Jess! I was pleasantly surprised reading that post the other day that you were in the process of writing/publishing. Good onya girl!!
Alyce {Blossom Heart} recently posted..Japan Journal: House Planning – Kids’ Bedroom
Thanks Alyce. I mentioned it before a long time ago, but I haven’t since cause I didn’t see the point. Stupid fear.
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Red Cup Blue Cup
keep moving forward with that dream Jess its amazing! Im going to DPC12 and Im fearing that.. I find it hard to go to things with people I dont know well but I am learning to push myself out of my comfort zone! go us!
Mum’s the Word recently posted..Schools Back!
I’m so glad you’re facing the fear! Can’t wait to meet you!
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Red Cup Blue Cup
I am so hearing you Jess, fear has held me back in my life as well and I’m sad to say that I let it stop me reaching the potential I could. Last year I had a “moment” and realised that I can and will succeed despite that deep seeded fear. Slowly that fear has lessened and I am finding new found confidence and belief in myself.
I’m going to be checking in on you my friend, can’t wait to read your books
Michelle recently posted..Write for LHD/LHH!
Glad you’re moving forward.
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Red Cup Blue Cup
That’s really exciting Jess! I can imagine it would be scary though – like putting part of yourself out there, waiting to be critiqued. Good on you deciding to follow through with it! Looking forward to hearing how things progress
(My fearless moment is linking up today – I am a bit worried after last week’s post that I am inadvertently offending people…)
Erin @ Lohtown Life recently posted..The Dummy Challenge
You know I went through all your posts last week trying to work out how you were offending people, and couldn’t find anything!
Hope it’s been a better week for you!
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Red Cup Blue Cup
Love a bit of DC Talk! Hope you find your focus more and more this year Jess.
Lauren @ The Surprise Beginning recently posted..And Now For Something Completely Different
Go Jess Go! Certainly sounds like the universe is trying to speak to you. Fairy wishes and butterfly kisses lovely
Rhianna recently posted..Sometimes I Forget to Remember
Thanks Rhi. Xxx
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Red Cup Blue Cup
I love that quote about the phrase – Do not be afraid –
I wish you much strength and to know – FEAR not for I am with you says the LORD !
Trish recently posted..10 degrees of separation and seeing double.
Thankyou Trish. Xxx
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Red Cup Blue Cup
You’re writing is very, very good Jess. I’m so glad you’ve decided to go for it… I can’t wait to read that book! And if I see you on Twitter on a Wednesday night, I’ll tweet you a gentle reminder.
Misha @TheBlingBuoy recently posted..Comment on Spiders with sledgehammers by Jess
I would appreciate that reminder! Thankyou xxx
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Red Cup Blue Cup
Jess we all have fear! And sometimes we have to embrace it to move forward! Go for it!
tahlia – the parenting files recently posted..valentine’s day craft ideas
Thanks Tahlia. Xx
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Red Cup Blue Cup
Go and get it Jess! Maybe this is the perfect timing to do that book! You can do it, you are fearless…
Nathania Reign recently posted..Meet Jane B, Our Biggest HCG Loser, Read one woman’s story of how she went for overweight and little self esteem, to feeling fabulous and looking great! Read her story now….
Thankyou Nathania.
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..Red Cup Blue Cup
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