What Comicon is Teaching Me About Bravery

Is there something you’ve always wanted to try because it sounds like so much fun, and you have a sneaking suspicion that you’d be really good at it? But you haven’t tried it yet because, well… you’ve never done it before! And new things can be scary! That was me and Comicon.

Comicon is basically a giant pop culture convention where nerds, creatives, and even celebrities gather to celebrate the things we love. It’s amazing. As part of the convention, hundreds of artists display and share their work in an area called “Artist Alley.” I’ve wanted to do it for YEARS. But every year, I would walk through the tables and think, “I’m just not ready yet.”

Something I’m discovering in my 30’s is that you’re never really completely ready. You just start.

This is not something I’m good at; because I like to always be put together, professional, and look like I know what I’m doing. Trying something new means being a beginner. Beginners make mistakes, and I don’t like to make mistakes. But we never grow if we never leave our comfort zone.

So this year, I’m doing it! I’ll be in Artist Alley at Planet Comicon at the Kansas City Convention Center March 27-29!

I’ve done my research, prepared new products and a new display, and grandparents are coming into town to watch the toddler. I know it won’t be perfect, because I’m doing that uncomfortable thing I don’t like of being a beginner. But I’m learning that that’s okay.

You start. You make mistakes. You learn. You get Better. REPEAT.

What is that thing you’ve been wanting to try? What’s the thing you have a sneaking suspicion that you’d be really good at if you did try it? Because I have a sneaking suspicion that you’ll be good at it, too.