What If You Don’t Need to Feel Ready? The Power of Saying Yes

This past week, I opened a cardboard box sitting on my porch and found ten years of "yes" staring back at me.

Inside were author copies of my three newest books—two concluding our cross-country journey through American monster legends, and one sharing the true stories of people persecuted during the New England witch trials. Holding those fresh covers, a quiet realization hit me: I’ve now co-written ten books with one of my dearest friends.

If you had told us a decade ago that a single question from an editor asking, "Would you be willing to write a book about Midwest monster legends?" would turn into a decade-long writing partnership, I doubt either of us would have believed you.

Back then, I was firmly in my "yes" era.

Co-host a paranormal radio show? Yes.

Produce a documentary on haunted places? Yes—even though I wasn't entirely sure what a producer actually did.

Co-write a screenplay? Yes—how do you write a screenplay?

Some of those open doors felt exciting, others felt terrifying, and most were both. But when the book opportunity arrived, I instinctively knew I wanted a co-author, and I knew exactly who to call: my instant soul sister, Natalie.

That single invitation turned into ten books (and counting), a publisher we adore, and a body of creative output I’m immensely proud of—all supported by an agent who fiercely guards our work. None of it was part of a carefully crafted master plan. The truth is, these books are a deviation from the novels I saw myself writing. It simply began with a willingness to step into the unknown.

Scary doesn't mean wrong.

Looking back, saying yes wasn't about being fearless. Quite the opposite. Every single contract we've signed over the last ten years has arrived with that familiar, hollow flutter in my chest: Can we actually pull this off?

The work is always heavier than it looks on paper. The deadlines always arrive faster than expected. And sitting at my desk, I still hit moments where overthinking takes over and decision fatigue sets in, making me wonder if I'm truly capable of finishing what I started.

Your intuition knows before your confidence catches up.

We live in a culture that pushes us to seek ultimate certainty before we make a move. We ask ourselves, "What should I do?" and wait for a green light from our brain that rarely comes.

When you face a new path, how do you quiet the noise of self-doubt? How do you distinguish between the fear of failure and the quiet urge to grow?

Usually, your inner authority doesn't speak in a loud, undeniable shout of unshakeable confidence. It shows up as a quiet lean forward. It’s that subtle internal nudge that recognizes an aligned decision long before your head has figured out all the logistics.

Saying yes to intentional living and creative expansion isn't about guaranteeing a smooth outcome. It’s about trusting your inner wisdom enough to let yourself grow into the space you’re stepping into.

From "Am I ready?" to "What feels true?"

The next time a door opens—whether it's a new project, a boundary you need to set, or an unexpected invitation—try shifting your internal question.

Instead of asking, "Am I completely ready to do this?" try asking, "What already feels true?"

Notice if your body expands or contracts. Let your self-trust sit in the driver's seat for a moment while your anxiety takes the back seat.

For me, the truth was simple: I loved collaborating, I trusted my friend, and I couldn't stop imagining what we might create together and the fun we would have in the process. Fear came along for the ride—but it didn't get to make the decision.

A Simple Challenge

Sometime today, identify one small idea or opportunity you’ve been putting off because you’re waiting to feel "ready."

Write down a single, tiny action step you can take toward it before the week ends. Don't overcomplicate it—just offer yourself permission to begin before you feel entirely prepared.

Until next time, let your inner light guide you,

Jessica

P.S. You know I love to hear your thoughts!

Looking back, which scary "yes" are you most grateful you said? Or do is there an opportunity in your life right now that's asking for a courageous yes?

Hit reply and share your story with me. I can’t always reply to every response, but I read every single one of them and try to respond to as many as possible.