The Courage to Try: A Weekend of Firsts

There’s something electrifying about stepping into the unknown—those moments when you stand on the edge of your comfort zone, wondering what will happen if you just take that first step. Will it be hard? Will I fail? Will I soar? For so long, I stayed in the safe space of “what I know,” but this weekend, I decided to push past all of that—and what a weekend it was.

It started with the kick-off to the 2025 Mrs. Oregon America pageant season. A dream that’s been quietly burning inside me for years. Attending that event felt like the official declaration of, I’m really doing this. There’s a mix of nerves, excitement, and joy that comes when you put yourself out there in such a public, bold way. But that’s the thing about courage—it doesn’t mean you’re fearless; it means you keep moving forward, even when fear is tagging along for the ride.

But the adventure didn’t stop there. The very next day, I completed my first-ever half marathon—the Columbia Gorge Marathon. Let me say this: I’m not a natural-born athlete. In fact, if you’d told me a year ago that I’d be walking a half marathon, I probably would’ve laughed and asked if you meant “half a Netflix marathon.” Yet, there I was, lacing up my shoes, standing at the start line with a mixture of adrenaline and doubt swirling inside me. But with every step, every mile, I proved to myself that I am capable of more than I ever imagined. I finished that race with my legs aching but my heart soaring. Crossing that finish line wasn’t just about walking 13.1 miles—it was about crossing over into a new understanding of myself. I can do hard things.

And if that wasn’t enough for one weekend, I ended it by stepping back onto a stage for the first time in over a decade. As someone who’s always had a deep love for music, performing used to be second nature to me. But after years away from the spotlight, I wasn’t sure if I still had that spark. Would my voice hold up? Would the stage feel the same? The moment I opened my mouth to sing, all the nerves melted away. It felt like coming home, as if no time had passed at all. It reminded me that the things we’re passionate about never truly leave us—they’re just waiting for us to rediscover them.

I left that stage feeling accomplished, not just because I’d performed, but because I’d had the courage to try. I’d taken on three very different challenges—each one testing me in new ways. And what I learned this weekend is that courage isn’t just about big, dramatic gestures; it’s about those small, persistent choices to step forward, even when doubt is whispering in your ear.

The truth is, trying new things is terrifying. We’re wired to stick with what’s familiar, what’s safe. But the magic, the growth, the joy—they all live on the other side of fear. It takes courage to step out of our routines, to stretch beyond what we think we can do. But that’s where life really begins—when we decide to be brave enough to try.

This weekend, I tried. I tried something I’ve never done before. I stepped into the world of pageantry again with new energy, I pushed my body to limits I didn’t think I could reach, and I reconnected with a part of myself that had been quiet for too long. And you know what? I didn’t just survive it. I thrived.

So, here’s my challenge to you: If there’s something in your life that you’ve been afraid to try, whether it’s a new hobby, a career shift, or even putting yourself out there in a way that scares you—do it. Be brave enough to give it a shot. Because on the other side of that fear is a version of yourself you haven’t met yet. A stronger, more confident, more fulfilled version of you.

As I reflect on this whirlwind weekend, I’m filled with gratitude for the courage that got me here. It’s a reminder that life is meant to be lived—boldly, fearlessly, and with a heart wide open to new experiences. This is only the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where courage will take me next!