I talked to someone recently who marvelled at how I could easily whip out my sketchbook draw in a cafe. "I wish I could do that," they said. "It's my far away goal."

I cocked my head and reflected a moment. "Yeah, wow... I remember a time when that felt impossible for me, too."

The pain of wondering if I looked weird. Or if people could tell I was different. So uncomfortable in my own skin. Acting carefree, but walking around with a lid on myself.

I told that person that sketching outside was originally a comfort zone challenge.

So was going to the shops.
So was eating dinner alone.
So was speaking up in meetings.
So was leaving my phone at home.

All these efforts were, in actual fact, me learning to trust myself.

Trusting my internal compass.
Trusting my thoughts.
Trusting my voice.
Trusting my gut.

Trusting myself to do what I wanted and that being okay.

Freely doing what you want

You can do anything you want. But we often don't.

We walk around wishing and waiting for something to shift. Waiting for a level to reach us. Hoping we'll feel ready and certain one day.

But that's just a big fat fantasy.

"One day" is actually today and how you choose to spend it.

That twist in your gut is proof there's work to do.

Are you game? Most people wouldn't dare.

Imagine for a moment that you have everything you need. All the knowledge, skills, tools, and reputation.

What would be your next step?
What fear rises to the top? Start there. Lean into that.

That discomfort is what builds real strength. Real resilience and confidence to move in the direction you want.

It's not easy. But nothing worth doing ever is.

Fear will tell you, "Don't jump! You'll fall on your face and everyone will laugh! Remember last time...?"

Logic will tell you, "We just need to work out all the steps before we know it's safe to jump."

Curiosity asks, "What happens when we do... this!"

You have everything you need right now.
The support, the experience, the awareness, the time, the dream.

What would help you take your next creative leap? More confidence in my voice Clearer structure A reason to complete something Permission A good boost of inspiration