Despite the fact that my hometown has been hitting record-breaking warm temperatures for the month of December, out here in Alberta we’ve had snow on the ground for over a month. I actually kind of love it. I’m not sure how I would survive if I didn’t have the literal changing of the seasons to indicate time passing.

Tonight I took the opportunity to unwind and wander around my new-ish neighbourhood. I loaded my phone with an episode of Elise Gets Crafty for my listening pleasure, clipped the leash on little Miss Phoebe, and hit the sidewalks.

In my short adventure, I determined this is the best-decorated house in our whole neighbourhood. There are just so many lights! Honestly, Christmas lights just warm my heart so so so much. I also determined it’s very difficult to snap a photo in low light with a slow-ish shutter speed when the puppy wants to adventure.

The episode of Elise Gets Crafty that I was listening to was episode 75, ‘putting yourself out there’. So good – I totally recommend listening to some of Elise’s episodes. Two minutes in I was hit with this mind bomb:

What I’ve found with all the creative people that I talk to and interview is that taking risks and putting yourself out there and trying things before you’re ready is really the key to getting where you want to go.

Elise Joy on ‘Putting yourself out there’

Man – this resonated with me. They referenced another podcast that the guest Tiffany Han created that interviews Elise on the topic of getting started before you’re ready, so I’ll be looking up that one next! Also, “I want them to know that it’s okay to go all in on things that you really believe in.” I needed to hear that one.

Also how cool is this – there’s a public outdoor ice rink on the corner as you enter our little subdivision. It’s officially my goal to get some suicides on skates in as a form of exercise this winter. I can’t wait to get back on my skates!

When was the last time you just took a walk around your neighbourhood? Did anything catch your eye in a new way?