Not Letting Fear Stand in the Way

I have peacefully co-existed with fear for as long as I can remember...  as a child, I tended to ignore it but over time it demanded more and more of my energy. Learning to live with fear and overcoming health issues that arose as a consequence gave me more confidence and a lot of experience. In fact, I steadily became the go-to person for a variety of issues.

• Need advice about organization or time management? Find out what Jana recommends.
• Want to lose some weight or take steps toward a healthier diet? Talk to Jana about the best small steps to take.
• Have trouble getting your young kids to eat vegetables? Get some recipes from Jana.
• Struggling with fatigue, allergies, insomnia or depression? Ask Jana for the best natural cures.

I recognized my passion was in answering these kinds of questions. And I was encouraged by many to share my experiences by starting a blog. Yet I allowed fear to hold me back.

Then, late in 2010 family issues sidetracked my career goals. Although I had always prided myself on being a working mother, I was no longer able to drown out the voice that was telling me I needed to stay home. My husband wholeheartedly supported my decision and I made the transition to stay-at-home mom in January of 2011.

Without the confines of a routine, the demands of a supervisor and the challenges of a work environment, the fear reared its ugly head once again.

• How would I structure my time?
• What is my job title?
• How could we possibly survive on one income?
• Would I “fit in” with the other moms?

Over the last several months, I have found the answers to these questions and many more that popped up along the way. I have established a “routine” of sorts and have established relationships with some amazing women. I have also had time to reflect on what being a mom means to me. In doing so, I have to acknowledge that I need an outlet for my creative energy (which I have in abundance) or I will suffocate (or annoy) my family.

So, I am again taking a leap of faith by sharing my perspective. I love to research, I love to write, and I love to learn from others with opposing viewpoints. Am I scared? Heck, yeah! Writing is an intensely personal endeavor and I am my own worst critic. But this time, I am not going to let fear stand in my way. And I hope the fact that I did it will serve as a positive lesson for my children one day. 

Please join me on this journey! Share with me some times that you've looked fear in the face and made a decision to overcome it...