That Panicky Feeling

You know that panicky feeling you get when you're about to make a big move? Don't let it deter you -- it's only old ghosts and shadows that will disappear as the sun rises.

Sitting at my desk a few weeks ago, about to hit the button that would send out the announcement about the publication of "By The Way, You Look Really Great Today" to my whole list, I started to feel a little nauseated.

I started to wonder if maybe I shouldn't wait until tomorrow.

I started to think that maybe the book wasn't really complete after all, and perhaps I should go back and revise it.

I started to doubt the cover art, the literary merit and the wisdom of even trying such a project.
Yep -- me -- the person who spends all day telling other people to screw up their courage and share their art -- was shocked to find out that what I really wanted was to run away and hide.

And I remembered back to previous experiences like it, and realized that that panicky feeling had led me to do things like:

- get sick
- set a nearly-finished project down and start something new
- create a crisis or emergency
- go clean out my sock drawer
- pick a fight with someone I love
- talk myself out of the launch

Sad, and kind of funny, too.

So next time you're getting that top-of-the-roller-coaster feeling, just acknowledge it and keep moving. Say a prayer for the best possible outcome for all concerned, release your attachment to the results (sure, that's easy, right?) and just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

You've come this far -- don't abandon yourself now.