Before I could move forward with my ideas for An Average Jill, I had to accept that I might fail, or worse, look ridiculous. Much of my courage to be vulnerable has come from age; I’ve grown less concerned about looking foolish, and more confident in my character. But I’ve also come to believe something about life’s purpose.

We all have something we’re talented at. It may not be obvious, but it’s found in the things we’re most passionate about. I believe it should be our purpose not only to uncover and develop it, but to share it. Think about how boring our world would be without the magnificence it’s been gifted through people wise enough not to care what others thought, and brave enough to be vulnerable.

I still may fail terribly at this venture, but it will only gain me better lessons to try again.