I work at a library, and last Monday, I was scheduled to lead a program. Programs happen every single day there, but I typically don't lead them. I work in the marketing department and am happiest in my cubicle behind my computer. But since the topic was writing, and since I felt compelled to say yes to something that terrified me, I agreed to lead a writing workshop entitled Kickstarting Creativity.

I was virtually frozen with fear. The day of the program, my stomach fluttered and lurched. I told my co-worker I was scared, and she replied with a wry comment about sickening fear being the best indicator of being alive. I mean, maybe she's right, but it didn't make me feel any better.

Just before the class started, I found myself hoping nobody would show up. The workshop would be canceled and I could just go home. Instead, eight wonderful people showed up, all very interested in the topic of writing. When I gave them writing prompts, they took them seriously and bowed their heads over the blank white sheets of paper I gave them. You could only hear pens scratching the surface of the paper for ten minutes. They surprised me again when all eight were willing to read what they'd written out loud. The stories they told were so wonderful, and by the end of the evening, my heart was full with the way writing had connected a roomful of strangers.

The gut-wrenching nervousness I'd felt all day dissolved into this feeling of relief combined with glee. Those eight individuals inspired me so much! I was happy I said yes. I was happy I didn't let fear get the best of me. Saying no would've been easier, but it wouldn't have had this. It made me feel so alive.

Say yes to something today, and see where it leads!