What happens when you say “yes” to what scares you?

Have you ever had a desire that lingered in your mind—something you wanted to do, but just couldn’t find the courage to start?

Was there something you truly wanted to say “Yes!” to, but doubts crept in simply because it resided outside of your comfort zone?

Recently, I came across this photo while going through my old archives.

The photo hanging on the wall was taken during a photography workshop in the Dominican Republic—and it ended up winning second place in a national photo competition in the U.S.

Looking at it, I was reminded of an important lesson.

I had submitted that photo to the competition almost on a whim. I wasn’t sure it was good enough. I wasn’t a professional photographer. I had no formal training. So naturally, I had doubts.

And yet… I did press “submit.”

A couple of months later, an email landed in my inbox congratulating me on winning second place—and letting me know that my photo would soon be displayed in a gallery in SoHo, right in the heart of New York City.

It wasn’t about the award. (Though I won’t lie—receiving a check in the mail made the recognition feel even sweeter.)
It was about saying yes to something outside of my comfort zone.
It was about sharing a part of myself that I usually keep quiet—the creative side, the personal side, the “this isn’t part of my resume but it matters to me” side.

The experience reminded me of something my clients often go through.

At the start of our work together, I always ask them, “What dreams of yours are still unfulfilled?”—and it’s as if a reservoir of hidden secrets opens, as my clients spill out long-forgotten passions and desires they’ve kept buried for years.

So I encourage you to think deeply about those dreams you've tucked away.

What’s that one thing that’s been quietly living within you, never fully brought to the surface? What are the hidden talents you’ve kept to yourself? Maybe you’ve always wanted to start writing, launch a podcast, learn to play an instrument, paint, dance, or finally explore that side gig you’ve been dreaming about. Whatever it is, bring it back into the light. Stop holding it back. Take that first small step. You’ll be so glad you did.

That photo could’ve stayed on my hard drive and remained forgotten.
And I would’ve missed out on the feeling of being seen. Of taking a risk. Of saying yes to my creative self.

What’s your version of the photo? What’s the thing you’ve been keeping to yourself—because you’re waiting to feel more ready, more perfect, more certain?

Maybe this is the week you press “submit.” See what happens.