Have you ever noticed how quickly one little thought can grow into something much bigger?
“What if nobody comes?”
“What if I get it wrong?”
“What if people don’t like it?”
Those tiny questions have an amazing ability to steal our excitement. They creep in quietly and, before we know it, we’re imagining problems that don’t even exist.
The funny thing is, worrying doesn’t solve anything.
It just steals today.
The BabyFest Wobbles
I’ll let you into a little secret.
Every now and then, while planning BabyFest, I have one of those moments.
“What if nobody comes?”
It pops into my head completely uninvited.
Then I stop for a second and remind myself of the facts.
We’ve brought together an incredible group of local baby businesses.
Planned activities.
Brought together wonderful exhibitors.
We’ve created something that I genuinely think new and expectant parents will love.
So why wouldn’t people come?
Well… they will, as long as they know about it.
That’s the part I can control.
Not worrying.
Not overthinking.
Simply making sure as many people as possible hear about it.
Focus on What You Can Do
There are so many things in life that are outside our control.
We can’t decide what other people think.
We can’t predict the future.
We certainly can’t avoid every mistake.
But we can decide what we do next.
That’s where progress happens.
With BabyFest, I’ve treated it like building a house.
Not by trying to do everything in one day.
Just one brick at a time.
First, we found our exhibitors. And honestly, they are amazing.
Next came the posters and flyers.
This week I’m preparing the adverts.
After that, it’ll be social media, press, emails and all the other little jobs that need doing.
Each task is quite small on its own.
Together, they’ll create something really special.
My Daughter Taught Me Something
This week my daughter has been working on a summer project.
She’s making a film with a group of other children.
Watching them has been fascinating.
Some of the children are bursting with ideas.
Others dismiss every suggestion almost immediately.
“That won’t work.”
“People won’t like it.”
“It’ll look silly.”
The idea barely has a chance before it’s been thrown away.
It made me realise that fear doesn’t always stop us from starting.
Sometimes it stops us from even imagining what’s possible.
The best ideas are rarely perfect the first time.
They grow.
Evolve.
They become better because someone was brave enough to give them a chance.
Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day
There’s an old saying that we all know.
Rome wasn’t built in a day.
It’s true in business.
In parenting.
It’s true in photography.
And in almost everything worth doing.
Nobody begins as an expert.
Nobody gets everything right first time.
Another favourite saying of mine is-
Every master was once a disaster.
Every successful business started with one customer.
Every photographer took a first picture.
Every film started with someone’s rough idea.
Every dream starts with a single step.
Then another.
And another.
Don’t Build Your Own Prison
One of the saddest things about worrying is that it creates a prison.
Not one with walls.
One inside our own minds.
We become trapped by thoughts about things that haven’t happened.
Hold ourselves back because of opinions people may never even have.
And stay comfortable instead of growing.
Imagine how many wonderful things would never exist if people had listened to those little voices.
Every new adventure comes with uncertainty.
That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take it.
We’d Love to See You
BabyFest feels a little like starting over for us.
It’s been a long time since we’ve hosted an event like this.
Of course there are moments of doubt.
But they’re quickly replaced by excitement when I look at everything that’s coming together.
Little by little.
One job at a time.
One step after another.
And before long, all those small jobs will become a fantastic day filled with support, inspiration and wonderful local businesses.
If you’re expecting a baby, have a little one at home, or know someone who does, I’d absolutely love you to join us.
Come and meet some amazing local experts.
Discover brilliant businesses.
Ask questions.
Make new friends.
Most importantly, enjoy a lovely day out with your family.
Because life’s far too short to let the “what ifs” stop us from creating something wonderful.