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Taking Chances {What Are You Up For in 2012?}

Want to tackle a few home improvement projects this year, but you’re feeling reluctant? Get inspired by my story about getting back on the slopes.

Happy New Year! I took a much needed break with my family and friends in the Rocky Mountains this past week. I’m kicking myself for leaving my camera in my suitcase most of the time because the snow-topped trees and mountain vistas can’t be beat this time of year. If you haven’t been to Banff or surrounding area in the winter, I suggest adding it to your bucket list. We live fairly close to the area, but I never get tired of the scenery.

Skiing Rocky Mountains

I have to admit I was excited about bringing in the new year with friends in a gorgeous cabin, but was a bit reluctant about the whole skiing thing. You know those activities you did back in the day that you haven’t done since. Yikes!

Getting Back on the Slopes

Fortunately, I went on a few mountain ski trips as a teen and skied at a small local hill a few times a year with friends growing up. However, it was at least 10 years since I’d been on skis. I was definitely nervous about the whole thing. Luckily my son and his cousins are fairly new at snow boarding, so I was able to take a few runs on the bunny hill before tackling the chair lift.

Encouragement goes a long way, and it wasn’t too much time before my husband and cousins were dragging me onto the chair lift. I vowed to myself that 2012 was going to be a year of taking more chances and putting myself out there in a bigger way. Part of me was ready, but a bigger part was saying you’re no spring chick and something bad is going to happen! I somehow shut that voice off in my head and just went for it. I had to trust that everything would be okay.

You know what? It wasn’t exactly like riding a bike, but I put one ski in front of the other and made my way down the hill (with a few lessons from my husband’s cousin). I came across obstacles (icy patches and heavy powder) and somehow found a way to get through it all. I reached the bottom of the mountain and a sense of accomplishment set in. As a result, I was ready to try another run (well after my burning legs had time to rest)!

Home Improvements Can Be Scary Too!

I see this time and time again with home improvements. It’s often the first project that can be the most intimidating, so you put it off. You think, what if I choose the wrong paint colour and have to repaint? What if the table comes and I hate it? What if I choose that fabric for the drapery and it doesn’t go with the sofa? What if, what if, what if… So you end up doing nothing and you feel like you’re always at the bottom of the mountain waiting for courage to finally set in.

I encourage you to approach your home like I approached skiing this past week. Perhaps you haven’t touched anything since the day you moved in and you’re terrified of doing something wrong. How will you know if you never try?

I invite you to join me and make 2012 a year of taking chances and trying new things. Start small like I did on the bunny hill and gradually work your way up to the more difficult runs. Ask someone who has done it before for assistance. Step-by-step you will get there. Believe me, it will feel fantastic and you’ll be ready for more!

What home improvements are you willing to try in 2012? Are you going to pick up a paint brush for the first time or are you finally going to select that furniture you’ve been thinking about? I’d love to know!

If you require any assistance whatsoever, please contact me and we’ll tackle it together.

Wishing you the best year!

Shauna at Satori Design for Living Blog - Home Decor, DIY, Vintage Finds, Recipes

4 Comments

  1. It’s all so true! Most of the time anything I create in my mind is worse than the reality. I have to remember your analogy the next time I worry!

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