I love it! I did something similar this year and instead of doing resolutions I chose the word ‘connect’. I am terrible about putting myself out for a lot of the reasons you listed above. I felt like if I focused on connecting with people than the other things I want out of life would fall into place. It’s only been 6 (?) weeks but I already feel like I’ve made some progress and it feels great! Good luck with your 2014 mantra!

as corny as it sounds, i’m reminded of the song (that was our high school class of ’99 song) that says, “do one thing everyday that scares you.” and i think it’s such an important component to personal growth. i’ve been on a fitness and weight loss journey…i joined a gym in september of 2012 and that was scary in the beginning. i’ve progressed and have lost weight and made changes in my lifestyle. but recently, i decided that instead of “going to the gym” and “lifting” or “eating clean”, i’m going to EMBRACE IT, which was scary when i first thought about it long enough. it’s a big part of my life (5 days a week!), and there are days when i feel like i can’t lift more or go one more minute or eat one more friggin vegetable, but it’s in those moments of discomfort that the magic happens. i realize I CAN do it….I WANT to do it….that’s where my real progress is made.

I’m doing the same thing this year! Being a for-fun photographer is not scary. But calling yourself a professional photographer IS scary (like instead of responding, “Oh, I’m a stay-at-home mom,” now I might say, “I’m a photographer.” That is weird. Asking people to pay you to be their photographer IS scary. Trying new types of photography is also scary: http://drewphotography.zenfolio.com/blog/2014/2/something-a-little-steamy-to-warm-you-up

I’m afraid of birds too! It’s the erratic movement, shifty little things.

Thank you for putting yourself out there and sharing your “scary” moments. Change is scary enough, but you’ve done so while letting us all watch, which is super scary! Thanks for keeping it real!

Hi Dana. I love your motto! It’s simple and catchy and can mean so much in everyday life. You are right it is hard to make yourself vulnerable and to let go of that fear. I share many of your same fears listed above. It’s always comforting to know others feel the same way and inspiring to see your progress towards change. Thanks for sharing!

Amen. This post will encourage a lot of people to look at some fears and accept the challenge. By the way, you’re about 5 years ahead of schedule, in my experience. The big four-oh was when my friends and I started to get serious about figuring out what we want to be and do in our lives and to care a lot less about what the world in general thought about any of that. It’s enormously liberating! Pretty sure you’re finding that out. :D

Best post ever. Your risk has totally paid off. Who the hell can relate to perfection? That’s not art. Keep staying true to yourself. And, you DESERVE to make money for that. Thanks for sharing your journey; you are an inspiration.

Dude. I’m proud of you and appreciate you sharing your journey. I’m making a career change, too, right now. Not using that damn degree (master’s included) is so hard. But rewarding. Keep on keepin’ on! We SO enjoy your corner of the web.

Love this. Rock on!! You are awesome and this post was totally refreshing. :)

You are not alone! Was it scary writing this post?

I’m coming up on 35 too in about a month and I can relate to almost all of what you posted! Especially the “writes well, talks bad!” My words get awfully jumbled in person but somehow come out pretty clearly in print. :) I always enjoy reading your blog and seeing your adventures and getting a peek into your home projects. I appreciate your honesty about your fears and wish you lots of amazing and fabulous things over the next year!

Here here!!!! As a mom of 3, I’d personally love to hear more of your parenting stories, like how you get ANYTHING done when they are all “under-foot” – I know I don’t have to elaborate on that (mine are 6 1/2, 3 1/2 and 7 mos – all girls). By the way, love seeing more of you in the blog posts; has anyone ever told you you remind them of Kristen Wiig?

This is a great post and great motto…I saw it when you showcased your awesome workspace and thought to myself what a great inspirational phrase to remind ourselves that we shouldn’t let our fear get in the way of trying new things. I’m guilty of fear stop me dead in my tracks. This is my first comment on a blog ever, commenting on someone blog post and having other people read it is scary to me…but not anymore :) Thanks to you!!

Totally love this – and with perfect timing. This week at work has been terrible. I’ve been screwing up like crazy and have gotten yelled at by my boss. But what do I learn from failure? To be better. Otherwise what am I going to do? I can’t crawl under a rock and not experience life.

I have an infographic of Gandhi quotes in my office cubicle and I’ve been staring at it this entire week. A few of my favorites:
“You are in control.”
“Without action, you aren’t going anywhere.”
“Continue to grow and evolve.”

This week has been a test, but it’s also the catalyst I’ve needed to make changes in my life.

Didn’t mean to go off on a tangent here. Just meant to say: Doing something scary can sometimes suck. But even if you fail, it will help you learn more about yourself and become a better human.

Good luck! :)

Wow – loved the honesty of this post! Fantastic motto for the new year.

Loved this one Dana! I am a big fan of your blog – partly because I love your style and partly because you are honest and interesting to read. I don’t scroll through and look at your pictures – I read every word of your posts. I can’t always say the same for other blogs I visit ;). So whatever you’re doing – scary or not – is paying off. Keep it up!

My favorite post this far. Thanks for sharing. I have been trying to put myself out there more lately as well. For example, I attended my first ever painting class. I have zero experience and not an artistic bone in my body. But I went. Tried a new experience and had a really great time! Will be attending my 2nd class next week.

You are so great. This post could not have come at a better time for me – and I think that’s what personal posts do for people. You write as things come to you and you will always touch someone in a way you may not realize.

I love this post. I admire your courage, and your honesty. Thank you. :)The fear of the unknown, so familiar. I’d say more, but I’m at work! HA! Have a great day.

Thanks for being so real. I’ve been trying to overcome some scary issues myself, and sure appreciate your honesty for sharing so much that is scary {and that I can totally relate to!}. My bugaboos are sharing my home that’s definitely not all spiffed up, doing new things, and doing new things to our house. The upside is that the more I get out of my comfort zone, the more I feel like I can take a deep breath and celebrate what I did {even if it was just clearing off the kitchen peninsula, ha!}. Reading that someone else things stuff is scary too really is such a relief. Thanks for sharing and for your courage!

Very inspiring, thank you for putting things into perspective for me and so many other people today :)

amen. words i need to practice more.

I have been reading your blog for sometime, I really enjoy your writing and your style. I think at the end of the day, personally, that some of the scary things turn out to be great experiences. Sharing your life, experiences and beauty routines on the internet can be a little terrifying generally but your readers would love it.

I needed this today. I got let go from my job of 7 years just a couple weeks ago, and it’s a job I went to school for and was very successful in. I’m now trying to get a job at a flooring store. I feel like this is where I’m supposed to be and that I need to do something different. And it’s SCARY! Scary as hell! But everything will be OK in the end.

Cheers to you Dana, I truly appreciate the honesty you bring to your blog and your unapologetic approach to real life. It is easy to forget with all the staged photos that star in design and DIY blogs that sometimes projects just don’t magically get projects done all at once and while you may have a totally finished side of the room you can turn around and be just at the beginning of a design project.

loving the red lipstick!

You’re my favorite girl!! I always look forward to reading your blog, you are inspiration to many us!! You’re style is so fresh and effortless . You are a breath fresh air!! I hsve no doubt that you will be amazing at whatever is do.

On another note… I’m off to target! Is there anything that is a must have from there?

I have been following your blog for awhile and while seeing cool home improvements is fun(love your style) your post today spoke to me! I feel the same way as a 33 year old woman trying to get out of her comfort zone and try new things! Your blog has become one of my favorite morning reads!

Thank you so much for posting this. There are many blogs I’ve recently stopped reading because the people writing them seem too…perfect. And not relatable at all. And your comment about not using your college degree. Holy cow it’s like you’re reading my mind. I’ve been considering quitting my 9-5 job to pursue something totally different for me but will allow me to be home with my kids. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Love this! So perfect. As you listed the things that are scary, I had so many “oh, I’m glad she finds that scary too” moments. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for the inspiration, definitely needed to read something like today!

Hahah! Gotta love kids. The brutally innocent naïveté and honesty is somethin isn’t it! I gotta say I really loved this post, Dana. Random fact, both my daughter and one of my closest friends has an irrational fear of birds, too. For my daughter it’s anything with wings, really. And yes this includes butterflies. I have no idea! Anyway, yes this year my motto is “here’s to new adventures” and that’s how I’m approaching all the scary things. You’ve been such a huge inspiration and honestly although you may be scared outta your mind, it only translates here as guts and beauty. I mean I’m downsizing from my perfectly good newer built home with plenty of square footage in part because of your journey. Blogging is a really scary thing. It’s like we rip the bandage off and expose our selves to the world in hopes for the best on a daily basis, but it’s also empowering to share our stories and lives. Here’s to continually embracing the scary and welcoming the new adventures. :)

I can totally relate to this post! I’ll turn 35 next month and I am finally comfortable with who I am as a person. I’m not always comfortable in new situations, but in my own skin, I’m good. Maybe our mothers, aunts and grandmothers were right when they said “a woman comes in to her own in her 30s.” Trying new things, that’s a good challenge….

Oh wow…I’ve been wanting to start a blog but my lack of knowledge in all things tech-y (and not wanting to ask for help) has kept me from taking the plunge. I’m totally going to go for it…wish me luck!
Thanks Dana!
Leah: )

I purposefully avoided the home section last time I was there!

Never! But I LOVE Kristen Wiig so that’s a total compliment!!

Maybe “a day in the life of” post is in order. Or more posts about kids + home.

Absolutely! Stared at the “publish” button for a long time before clicking it.

Dana you are so inspiring!

The beaks! The smaller and pointier, the scarier!!

You rock! I just turned 29 and I definitely want to start trying more things outside my comfort zone.

If you ever get stuck with a coding problem, I’d be happy to take a look. Web designer and hand coder since 2001. I enjoy helping others, however I find it scary to ask others for help ;)

PS – Your blog is my absolute favorite – I love your style, personality and keeping it real!

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” Love that!

I might just take you up on that some day! I think asking for help is scary, too. Help with coding, help with my kids, help with my house…it’s all scary.

Ditto to all the above. I just turned 36 and spent 35 being pregnant so I literally am in your shoes. Kids are 4, 3, and 3 months. I will add your quote to my new mantra which is being the best version of myself and literally self talking my way out of all my hang ups. I have the other issue which is write bad, talk good. I could never be a writer but I love to read and you are one of my favorite blogs out there. Keep it up :)

Wow! Before reading this I was struggling on a purchase to include in my Etsy shop, Decidedly Chic. I was going to buy fabric that I know would sell okay, meaning a safe purchase. But what I really wanted was to add something new and different. I went ahead and purchased a new fabric to create my pillow covers with, a pretty blue and white paisley design that looks like a Schumacher design. Hope it does well. Your post was timely and reassuring!

Yep, I just hit the big 3-5 two weeks ago and agree that it is a nice time in life to start trying new things and taking charge. My mantra just about every morning is “today I am going to kill it!” and I mean it in just about every way – being a mom, working for my clients, trying new things, and just getting stuff done. I don’t always kill it, but I’m certainly getting better!

Smart too! Just realized all my typos :) oh well

This is great.

Sheryl Sandberg has a quote/campaign “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” I know her book invited a lot of controversy, but I really loved this phrase.

I think it is something about where we are in life– I am 5 years older than you, and about 5 years ago I realized I didn’t like the path my career and life were taking and changed course. It created a lot of difficulty and sacrifice in our family’s life, but has been so worth it! And I’m finding that I still have to push myself to do the scary things– and that doing so usually pays off.

Thanks for the quote and the inspiration! I may put it in my workspace (if I ever get around to re-doing it!)

I think the universe is trying to tell me something. This is the second blog post I’ve read today (out of the three I’ve checked so far!) urging me to tackle hard things and embrace potentially challenging and difficult changes in my life. (The other’s here, at A Beautiful Mess: http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2014/02/on-changing-dreams.html.) Thank you for sharing this. I know it must be a very scary thing, one that makes you feel very vulnerable, but you’ve really touched me today. I’ve been struggling with this very same thing for the last few years, and this year I’ve been trying to do something about it. This gives me a little kick in the pants to do even better!

Great saying! I can’t wait to see where this takes you. I also love that you’re adding more pictures of you and other content besides home stuff.

I’ve had a chair waiting to reupholster for years and I finally started taking it apart and purchased fabric. I’m scared as hell to work on this project, but it has been fun to learn more things and to jump into something different.

I’d personally love to see a “new house” version of the post you did way back about where you hide all the kids’ toys. I’m completely stumped on how to house my daughter’s things since her birthday and Christmas made a waterfall of giant new toys.

A day-in-the-life post a la YHL would be awesome!

Oh I like that one. Will check out book.

Please don’t hesitate to ask! It would make my day to be able to give a little back to my favorite blog!

Lots of things are scary (I can relate to most you posted) but you are right you have to try or you will never find anything new. As mentioned above I would love a day in the life post!

Google “the gap by Ira Glass” and watch the quick video. It will completely transform the way you view the unknown of trying new things. Amazing perspective.

SOOO needed to read this right now. Proud of you for pursuing scary. Thanks for motivating me to do the same Dana!

I love all of the brave things you have been doing with your blog! All of your posts are original and full of inspiration! Keep up the bravery! Now on to conquering my scary…!

So just to encourage you, yours has become one of my very favorite blogs. I love the times you get personal, love the design stuff and love your style. I agree- as an about to turn 35 year old mama to 4, doing the ‘scary stuff’ starts to feel very very worth it. And pretty exciting!

I knew exactly what you meant by that quote when I saw it in your workspace reveal. That’s why I liked it! Pushing yourself outside your comfort zone is certainly scary at times but without it we won’t have the opportunity to grow and without growth we can become stagnant and unhappy. So scary Really IS the new fun!:-). I turn 35 in a couple of months and would have to concur that with age Im becoming more confident and omfortable with myself. Oh dear, now I can see why old ladies get to be so opinionated and outspoken. Note to self: don’t become one of those old ladies! :-)

Lol! Sorry, I shouldn’t laugh!

This is a GREAT post! LOVED it! :)

Thank you for this! I love Ira Glass.

Right…it’s going on the to-be-blogged list.

I always look forward to your posts and I absolutely love this one! Your honesty and openness only make you more real and relatable. I am going to adopt this as my new motto! Thank you – your bravery is inspiring.

Try 52! And yes let’s not talk about public speaking, it’s probably my biggest, most cherished fear. Birds, however, are lovely to me although I have heard other people who are uncomfortable with them. And it’s best not to start dying your hair. It’s a never ending, expensive chore after that. Good luck Dana, you and Steve do work that I aspire to. Very talented.

Great post! I have always loved your blog -but this post launches into a totally new category of awesomeness. It’s nice to see that you are beautiful inside and out. You are an inspiration in many ways but I really appreciate that you always seem to be moving forward. I think your “house tweaking” name suits these posts perfectly because as people, we are constantly (hopefully) learning, growing and changing, “tweaking”- and didn’t someone say that our homes reflect our souls…. or am i making that up?

I really needed to read this today! I’ve lived in the same state for nearly all my life and I recently made a spur of the moment decision to move my family across the country for a new job. Now that the move time is getting closer I am starting to panic and question what I’m getting myself into! Fear is a good thing! I need to calm down and remind myself that yes it us scary but I will grow so much from this “adventure”!

How honest! I love that you’ve been so open. All your feelings and thoughts are totally normal, it’s what makes us human! The more people out there who are honest like you and show their vulnerability at times, will make the rest of us feel better about who are and realises that we are not alone in those thoughts or feelings sometimes. You’ve made me feel a whole lot better today anyway, so thanks! It’s 7.20am here in the UK so i feel positive in my start to the day!

I love the statement “it’s ok not to be ok”. I remember that every time I feel down or ill or just fed up.

I will remember your positive statement too from now on so Thanks!

X

I turned 36 on September and feel the same way, which is why this post really spoke to me. I love that you’re putting this out there and that you’re getting personal on your blog. I also love that I’m not alone in my dislike of our so called feathered “friends”… though I especially fear ducks, since I was bitten by one when I was 3! There is nothing good about those beady eyed creatures.

I love this! It’s so inspiring. I try to read my fav quotes from Eleanor Roosevelt every day to keep my motivation going, she was an awesome woman. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/e/eleanor_roosevelt.html

I’m 36 and a mom of 4 boys. I will be going back to school this fall and I am terrified! I ran my first Half marathon this last Thanksgiving. I was so scared, but it was so rewarding. I’m now training for another in April. Scary things are for sure hard. And honestly, I feel like my age isn’t something that has or will set me back. I can see a little more clearly what I want and what is important. I love your blog. Keep up the scary fun. It’s usually worth it.

Hi there! Love your blog and been a long-time reader… I was also inspired by this new motto and this post… and I also have a HUGE FEAR of birds!! Don’t you just hate the sound it makes when they flap their wings? And have you seen the Alfred Hitchcock movie?? (Don’t if you haven’t- it is traumatizing!)

I can totally relate. I’m just 2.5 years shy of 35, but I finally feel comfortable in my own skin and wouldn’t change that for anything. Everything that once felt so scary or intimidating (primarily because of what others might think) is now a welcome challenge and another chapter I’d gladly add to my book of life.

I’d love to see a ‘day in the life’ post from you. I, too, struggle with the question of how much personal info I should share on the blog. At the same time, though, it inspires me to no end to see amazingly talented and down to earth women, like yourself, sharing the personal pieces of life that inspire you.

Keep being you!

[…] hope you do something scary fun that makes you smile this […]

that is a great mantra! i will “steal” it and use it for myself too (although i was on that path, i hadn’t named it as fun as this).
the other day a friend and i were talking about risk taking and life and he mentioned that he admired me for at least trying things and not being afraid. i told him “who isn’t afraid? it is just that life starts at the other side of that fear, so if you want any memories in life you have got to suck it up and put it behind you.” i should send hims your post!

That was amazingly well written and I couldn’t agree more!

Love this post – turned 35 last year and feeling this way too – also TERRIFIED of birds especially when the kids want to feed them and there’s lots of flapping and oh well you know what I mean! Just came across your blog via Apt Therapy and I’m loving it. Thank you for writing posts like these – they are the scariest for the author but also the most enjoyable for the reader. As for your slogan – can I ask where you got the font?

Beautifully put! One of my favorite posts! Scary is the new fun!

Great post. I turned 35 in November last year, too. My 2014 motto (intentionally not a resolution) was to grow the f@&* up. Not sure what that means yet but it was mostly about not being scared – scared of marrying my amazing boyfriend and scared of finding a new job that challenges me. So, I think ‘Scary is the new fun’ is awesome. Sell it (seriously) – we love it.

Good lord. Life can be terrifying – stop the navel gazing and just get on with it. When I first started reading your blog I liked the fact that you were basically living in what I would call the 3rd level of hell and still trying to find a way to make it yours. Lately, selfies and bull about being brave…really??? I will admit to being a 52 year old woman who just doesn’t get this – it’s not brave to post a picture of a nice looking woman wearing bright lipstick. Get over yourself and get back out in the world.

Typed the quote up in Polyvore.

I love this and I love seeing more of you in YOUR blog. I’ve often heard that the scariest decisions people make often end up being their best decisions they’ve ever made.

And I’m afraid of vacuums. But only because my dad found it funny to chase me around with them. Yay for scarring children!

I enjoy doing the things that I am afraid of. I do it not only because of the adrenaline rush but because it helps to overcome the fear. The feeling is incredible. It is something kind of a mixture of happiness and admiration!

Dana-Thanks so much for this post! I just turned 35 this week and it seems that this year, both my husband and I have said, “enough is enough”! If we aren’t happy with our house, job, etc…..why keep at it? Let’s make some changes! After talking about it for years, this seems to be the year that things will change…..and that is scary….and exciting. Glad to know we aren’t alone.

I’m still a couple of years shy of 35, but I’m already starting to appreciate the wisdom of this advice in my own life. There are SO MANY things I have held myself back from doing out of fear and I don’t want to look back in another ten years and realize I still haven’t at least tried them. There must be something about your 30s that just helps you to realize that failure is not nearly as scary as never trying. Thanks so much for sharing this post!

Thanks for sharing this, Dana! I can relate on several levels. Especially, opening up a “never quite” finished home to guests. But, it’s totally worth it to let people see your progress along the way. They almost always have nice things to say that make you feel like all the work you’re doing is great! :)

Very thought-provoking post. I’m twice as old as you are and it seems as if you have found your voice. Many women don’t find it until much later than 35.

I just wanted to let you know that your scary-fun ambitions are inspiring people like me in more ways than you realize. Thank you for being you, doing what you do every day and changing lives in the process.