By Jennifer Hallmark

**Don’t miss a post. Week one. Week two.

Hello, again! I’m back to share a little more about my podcasting journey. By now, you figured out that it’s really about a whole lot more. Like facing fear and failure. And a world that can be cruel when you step outside your comfort zone. Our journey in life. It’s being…

Determined to dance.

Three days before Christmas, 2020. I’d been pondering and researching and studying podcasting for several weeks. But no closer to being a podcaster.

Why?

The next step. Each time I considered it, I cringed. Ducked my head. And found something to clean. Yep. That’s how I procrastinate. By cleaning or organizing. For me, this next step has always been the hardest.

The financial commitment.

I reacted the same way when I signed up for my first writing class, registered for my first writing conference, and purchased a better computer.

Again, why?

Probably because up until now, I could back out. Within two or three weeks, the few people I’d told about my podcasting dream would forget. I mean, people are busy. And then my life would go on.

Only it wouldn’t. Not really.

I would always wonder, what if? I didn’t want to stifle the whisper in my soul that pointed me toward the podcasting path. So I made a decision. I found the package on Amazon that the Novel Marketing podcast had recommended. A microphone, pop filter, a scissor arm stand for my mic, and over-the-ear headphones. I drew a deep breath, then moved them into my cart.

Proceeded to checkout.

Spent the money.

Panic rose within. But I hugged myself for a moment, then let go. No turning back now. My friends, tell me I’m not the only one who struggles with decisions. A seemingly simple choice, that in the light of the world’s present plight, is minuscule.

But so important to me.

To you. Because I know you may be facing tiny choices. Or looming, heart-breaking decisions that affect every part of you. Maybe somewhere in between. What are you struggling to decide?

Are you considering attending a class to learn to paint? Or crochet. Or weld.

Educational decisions. Getting your GED or attending college is a decision many have made during the pandemic. Maybe a new job, relationship, church, ministry, or you just need a fresh start in a different location.

Remember the steps:

1. Pray about it.
2. Discuss your options with wise people.
3. Research.
4. Make the financial investment.

Back to December 22nd. I ordered the equipment and soon received an email stating it would arrive on December 28th. Now, as I read this, I didn’t have butterflies in my stomach. Oh, no. They were those big Texas grasshoppers, pushing all my fear buttons. I ignored them.

One step at a time.

It’s the same for you, my friend. Go ahead and take the next step. Invest in your future. The fear doesn’t disappear right away. In fact, I’m not sure if it will ever totally leave.

But YOU are one step closer to your goal. So am I.

Next week, we’ll discuss accountability and the encouragement others can and will offer if we allow them.

Until then. Stay determined to dance.

Podcast coming soon. The tentative start date is March 2nd. (or sooner if I can)

Click to tweet: Three days before Christmas, 2020. I’d been pondering and researching and studying #podcasting for several weeks. But no closer to being a podcaster. Why? Read on. #decisions #faith