Have you ever put off doing something you really, really wanted to do, but you just kept telling yourself you “didn’t have the time?” Yes, guilty as charged!

Last night I attended the May meeting of the Needle Artisans of Northwest Indiana, an official chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America.

I have been wanting to check out this group for over a year, but kept telling myself I was too busy or the venue was too far away or I was too tired or — you get the idea. Lies. All lies!

The truth was that I was afraid. Afraid of getting out of my comfort zone. Afraid of meeting new people. Afraid of taking a risk.

I had nothing to be afraid of.

The Needle Artisans are a wonderful group of ladies with a positive, supportive spirit, and they made me — and the other two guests at the meeting — feel very welcome. I enjoyed myself so much that I became a full member last night, and I signed up for the hardanger workshop being held during the June meeting.

I am so glad I finally got up the courage to step out of my comfort zone and go to this guild meeting. Now I am looking foward to getting to know some of the other guild members, and I am excited about learning new needlework skills and expanding my current skills.

So, what creative risks have you been afraid to take? What small steps can you take today to stretch your comfort zone?

If you’re into needlework, too, maybe start by finding your local EGA chapter here.