Do the Thing That Scares You (Before Time Decides for You)

I’ve been sitting with a thought lately that feels heavy and freeing at the same time. I’m almost 43, and I’ve realized I have less time ahead of me than I do behind me. That alone will make you stop and really look at your life.

I heard a quote recently that hasn’t left my brain: “Do the thing that scares you while you still can.” Simple, but powerful. And honestly, it feels like it showed up right on time for me.

Lately, I’ve been doing more things on my own. Not as a mom. Not as the one holding everything together. Just as Jocelin. I’m rediscovering who I am outside of my responsibilities, and it’s been both uncomfortable and exciting. I don’t have all the words for it yet, but I know something is shifting.

When I think about the things that have scared me over the years, most of them weren’t silly fears. They were practical ones. Fear because I needed to make a living as a single parent. Fear because I didn’t want to disrupt the people in my circle. Fear because choosing myself felt selfish. And sometimes fear simply because the outcome was unknown.

For a long time, I told myself I was being responsible. And maybe I was. But somewhere along the way, waiting started to feel like hiding.

Now I keep asking myself one question: What am I waiting for?

Time waits for no one. Not for clarity. Not for confidence. Not for life to slow down. I have a list of things I want to do—things I’m passionate about, things that light me up, things that also scare me. And I’m realizing that fear isn’t always a stop sign. A lot of times, it’s just a sign that something actually matters.

I’m learning that fear doesn’t shrink until you move. It doesn’t disappear first. You move with it. And regret? Regret weighs so much more than fear ever could. I don’t want to look back and wonder what would’ve happened if I had just tried.

You don’t need a big plan to start. I don’t either. Sometimes it’s just writing the thing down. Saying it out loud. Taking one small step before you feel ready. Ready usually comes after you begin.

I’ve always loved poetry and spoken word. Words have been my safe place for as long as I can remember. Recently, I changed up my Instagram page and started sharing my writing—just my words for now. This is me slowly building toward using my voice. And yes, I’m scared. But I’m also excited. Because I don’t want to live in the space of what ifs. I’d rather be nervous and moving than quiet and stuck.

This season of rediscovering myself is also leading me toward something new—a podcast. A place for real conversations about fear, growth, creativity, and choosing to live instead of waiting. I don’t have it all figured out, and honestly, I think that’s what makes it real. I hope you’ll listen in when it launches and walk this journey with me.

And now I want to ask you something—really.

What’s one thing you’ve been scared to do? Not the big five-year plan. Just the thing that’s been quietly sitting on your heart. And what’s one small step you could take this week to start?

You don’t need permission. You don’t need perfect timing. You just need to stop waiting.

If this spoke to you, leave a comment, send me a message, or share this with someone who needs the reminder. We’re all just trying to figure it out as we go.

Do the thing that scares you—while you still can.

With love,
Jocelin