Don't be afraid to fail

I’ve looked at this everyday since before I even opened Bend Yoga. I bought it during my “stewing phase”– when I felt afraid to make the leap into entrepreneurship. I knew clearly what I wanted to do, but taking action on that idea was paralyzingly scary. 

What if I failed? 

Even worse: what if I didn’t try?

Opening a small business is not for the faint of heart. Turns out selling a small business isn’t either. Over the past few months, I’ve been struck by how much this phase feels like the very beginning. It requires a real leap of faith. 

The first leap I made felt like jumping into dark, deep waters. Not necessarily treacherous, but definitely unknown territory. I was working off a gut sense (plus some lived experience and market research) that if I was looking for a place like Bend Yoga, then other people must be too. 

Someone I deeply respect told me there just wasn’t enough interest in yoga here to support a full-time studio. Someone else who seemed knowledgeable told me no one would go downtown for it. 

I look back on both of those conversations with gratitude. Gratitude because they tested my faith and made me feel certainty in my choice of action. They each gave me an opportunity to feel sure. What a gift!

I’m faced again with a leap, but this leap feels like jumping into clear blue waters. This time I feel as though I’m taking a leap towards an outstretched hand. My gut sense this time told me that this community I’ve fostered and cultivated would be there to catch me. I was right, and I am once again filled with gratitude.

I’ve been looking at this sign with new eyes. 

I didn’t fail. I was afraid. I tried.

This week I am full of joy and hope and awe watching someone else exit their “stewing phase” and make their own leap. I’ve also realized that I too am the outstretched hand that is ready to catch a new, fledgling entrepreneur and help them land on solid ground. What a gift to be able to be a part of someone’s future.

I can’t wait to share more with you soon.

For the time being, here’s a few more playlists.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1u9hqtuLhydThz606wBSON?si=0978ccc5ed6049c1

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0E152pTDInGINbfQP0FOev?si=795ad0b3ec4e4ce4

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6zUagt2zYz7yjY4x3UFdJ3?si=3debf2e2aba74a6d