I’ve had a tee design in mind for quite some time now. I’ve been wanting to encourage the dreamers and the creatives and those seeking to pave a new path in life. And I’ve wanted to put a message into the world that gave a bit of a nudge to those who have felt a calling to “go rogue” and pursue a passion. I think without meaning to, we tend to encourage safe and predictable paths in our culture. We look at the jobs that are paying the best and encourage the young amongst us to go after those careers. There can certainly be some intelligence in that life strategy. But what if you have a big idea to do something totally unpopular, uncharted, or perhaps—dare we say— even unrealistic by current cultural standards? (You may be wanting to protect your high school seniors from me right about now, and I totally get it. But hang with me.)
Recently in chatting with my new friend Kelly Bay of Rural Kind Co, we were talking about the idea of Pressed making a shirt for the upcoming “She Is” conference in Spencer, IA. Their theme is going to be “Redefining Success, Killing Fear, and {kinda} Keeping It Together Along the Way.” Sounds strangely like the message behind my aforementioned tee design, right? Well, at least some connections could be made.
I told Kelly I’d had this big idea for an apparel design, and this could be the perfect time for it to come to life. I was thinking of something like, “Dream Big” or “Dream Bigger Dreams”, but those didn’t quite have the resonance in my soul like a typical go-forward design does. The phrase “Dream Courageously” came to me and I couldn’t drop it. I knew those were my words. Here’s why.
One of the most terrifying yet rewarding things I’ve done in my life so far has been to dream. Before I started Pressed, I had a stable, advancing career in the fashion retail world. But I had a nagging dream to pave my own path, become an entrepreneur, and create a life that allowed time for the things I valued most. I also had a life chapter I wanted to bring redemption to. I didn’t want pain to be the final word on those 6 years of my life. I had absolutely no idea what I could do to make all of that happen, but I wanted so desperately to try.
So, I did what no first-born Enneagram #6 human E.V.E.R does—quit my job without a plan. While I still kinda cringe just typing that, I’m also exceptionally proud of the “me” that had the courage to swim into uncharted waters.
You know how I said I’m an Enneagram 6?? If you’re familiar with the Enneagram personality test, you might know what “sixes” are best at. It’s fear. We are exceptionally adept at predicting every worst-case scenario that could come up. I once saw a meme that humorously described what would cause each Enneagram number to end up in jail. According to this meme, sixes are most likely to end up in jail because we ASKED to go there so we would know how to prepare in the event we would end up there. It’s OK—you can laugh. There is probably some accuracy in that statement.
I’m not saying I’m proud of this aspect of myself, but the Enneagram has sure helped to explain my gut reactions. And it has helped me to feel like there are others all over the world that think like I do.
Knowing that my sweet spot in life is NOT braving the unknowns, helps you realize how big that life move was for me. I didn’t dream of a different life path because I thought it would be easy. I did it because the calling felt so strong that I couldn’t imagine NOT taking action. I didn’t have all the answers and—my goodness—that was terrifying.
The journey since then has been filled with the richest joys and, even still, the paralyzing fears. I will never forget the 2 weeks before we opened our Studio+Store. I got the closest I’ve ever been to a panic attack. I laid in bed with insomnia thinking over and over, “What have I done with my life?!?!” I’ve also been encouraged by the sweetest words of friends and customers. Our entire checkout counter was lined with cards and flowers of congratulations on Grand Opening Day.
Eric and I have laughed, and we’ve cried. We’ve stared at the wall, in shock, for 30 minutes when we spelled the word “Strength” incorrectly on 200 greeting cards. We’ve felt the richest senses of accomplishment each time we’ve taught ourselves a new art form. And we’ve wondered if we really have what it takes to continue to make this work. Well, I have. He’s an Enneagram #7. Need I say more? God knew what He was doing in bringing the two of us together.
Let me wrap this up by saying this, friend. If you have begun to pursue a new venture that you feel deeply passionate about, I want you to hear the biggest shout-out from my corner of the room. I want you to hear that courage is your best friend and that—YES—you can!! Some of the biggest world changers have been people who have gone against the status quo or the “tried-and-true” and dared to dream courageously.
May you and I both be brave enough to acknowledge what we most long for. May we do the things that scare us, and may we be courageous enough to be terrible at new ventures. I’m confident it will be worth it.
Dreaming Courageously,
Kristen
