On being brave and taking a leap of faith

Maybe this post is going to get a little personal.  Maybe I'm jumping the gun.  I don't know.  I guess we'll find out.

I lack in self-confidence.  It's something I've come to realize about myself over the past couple of years.  I'm terrified that I will fail at whatever it is I'm dreaming about.  I'm always so worried - Am I smart enough to pull this off?  Am I versed enough in how this works to do it right?  Do I even know what I am doing?

I've seen people I respect and admire take some leaps lately.  They are doing great things for themselves and their craft, turning hobbies and interests into businesses and enterprises.  Fulfilling dreams and doing what they love.

I want that.  I have dreams, dreams for this space actually.  But there's that pesky confidence thing again.  Why do I think I can do this?  I have no idea what I am doing.

Earlier this year I had actually taken some steps and was semi-public about it, which is HUGE for me.  You see, if I tell people about it, then I have to follow through.  I can't just be safe and pretend I don't have that dream at all.  If I don't pursue it, I can't fail.

But now those steps have been taken, money has been invested, more and more people know.  And now it's getting really scary.  I've stepped back.  I've convinced myself this isn't the right time.  I've been hiding under the covers.

So if this isn't the right time, why can't I stop thinking about it?  Why aren't all the ideas ceasing?  Why do I daydream about it every single day?  I've been praying on this, and I have come up with the answer.  I think it is time, and I'm just looking for excuses.  I have the support system.  I have the means.  I have to have faith.

So this is the part where I tell you all just exactly what it is I've been spouting off about.  Are you ready?  I might not be...

I am opening a quilt shop. omg I said it out loud.

A brick and mortar quilty shop full of fabric goodness and a place where sewists can come together in a real life community here in the Houston area.  We are the fourth largest city in the United States, and we have TWO (maybe??) LQSs to serve us.  I feel there's a void to be filled.  I have hopes and dreams.  BIG PLANS for this project.  I'll fill y'all in on specifics later, after I've recovered from being so open about this.

Have you ever taken a leap of faith, big or small?  I'm terrified!