Wednesday Sponsor Giveaway: Freehand Scraps, Big Picture Scrapbooking, + Paper & Co. Show

My biggest leap of courage was to leave my career in advertising cold turkey at age 28. I gave up my apartment and moved back in with my parents (which could have made my already crappy love life become abysmal, but it worked out just fine), and enter graduate school full-time to be a teacher.
I got my Masters degree and I am now in my 4th year of Career #2.
I took on a big ol' heap of debt in this process (which is my biggest worry right now), BUT I am doing something I love to do and I am so proud of myself for following my heart.

I'm not a leaper, but I did recently audition to go on the Weakest Link and face Anne Robinson. Though some say I'm scarier than she is. I was successful and will be on a future show.

I am a runner. Well, I was until my doctor advised me against it for a while. He also recommended that I do any exercising with caution. Not exercising, especially running, has really effected my quality of life. I am a better wife, mother, human being when I run/exercise. I keep telling myself that I'll go for a short slow run, but when it comes down to it, I'm scared. This weekend I took a leap of faith and I went for a brisk walk six times around a track. All was well with my body, so I've gone twice more since then and plan on going again today.
It is a small bit of exercise, but it feels so good to be doing it!

i love giveaways!!...and i've got my eye on the Feb. kit :)
{the trip to italy, although totally awesome, isn't exactly possible in the near future...i'm still in school}

A few years ago, we moved to a new town where I knew few people. Big leap for me. Now I may be the sole breadwinner in our household for a little while - darn recession:( And in April, I may have a chance at a new job.

My leap of faith has been accepting a move in my job. I am being forced to move regions that I support and to a new boss that I am unsure about (from a region I love and boss that I love more). My future is uncertain at this point with my job, but I will hang in there and keep showing value, and that I am a darn good employee! Thank you for sharing Alex's comment!

Hmmm... I would say that moving to a new city, getting pregnant, deciding to be a stay at home mom, and joining lots of new clubs to meet new friends all within a year has been my biggest leap. However, since that time. I have been pretty still. :)

I realized last night that I had made a new friend, something that hasn't happened in many years. I don't make friends easily (I'm just incredibly awkward at it, usually) and have had the same core group of friends since I left college. Since I've been out of college for 8 years, this is a pretty big jump for me.

Wonderful items... wow... my latest leap has been being more vocal at work...saying what I truely think instead of letting the powers that be decide!!

my biggest leap - to slow down and relax. Not everything has to get done today. to learn that i don't need to do something exciting and memorable everyday with my children...just be with them. enjoying my family more.

My most recent leap was to take a step towards checking off one of the items on my "38 Things to do Before I turn 38" list (inspired by HulaSeventy's blog" I've always wanted to learn how to make jewelry and this weekend, I paid for a upcoming class at an arts/craft store. I was very proud of myself as I am usually a "talker" not a "doer"

I feel like everyday is full of little leaps. Trying to become a better person and putting a smile on people's faces. I would definately like to take some huge leaps into scrapbooking ;)

My recent leap was pouring more of myself into my job. I've been at the same job for fifteen years and go through periods of burn-out (very stressful work). I'm past that now and enjoy my days at work much, much better.

My job was eliminated last fall - and I decided after 25 years to NOT seek another corporate job, but spend as much time as I can in these next few precious years with my 13 year-old son. It has felt different, but "good different". I have discovered time for music in my life again - a bonus blessing!

On Sunday, I went ice-skating with my little family. I was terrified, I hadn't been ice-skating since I was a little girl - like 30 years ago, and I was sure I wouldn't manage to do it, nor like it... in fact we felt we just had to do it with our son... and you know what??? I loved it!!! Totally, it was superfun and actually, I wasn't too bad either, and I want to do it more :o)
That was a very big leap for me!!! I have never been good at sports, and now, I found out that I liked a new sport :D
And, wow!!! What wonderful giveaways! It would be lovely to win :o)

What a great giveaway. With my word for 2009 being choose I have really been taking a leap with learning to love myself. Making choices to really put myself back on my list. Making a real effort to loose weight has been a big leap and just re-learning who I am and what I all have to offer has taken courage. I guess small leaps :)

My most recent "leap" was to get back on a snowmobile after 10 years of losing my sister-in-law when she was killed riding on one just one day after she and I had been riding together.

Great giveaways as always! My recent leap of faith is coming up this Friday. My 7 year old is going to be singing in the talent show at her school, and I am petrified. I just have to have faith and know that she'll rock it like she does at home, but it is so hard not to do everything to protect her!!! (:

WOW--what a deep, thought-provoking blog post! I would say most recently the things that have taken the most courage seem to be permission to put myself first. Just now realizing that...sad I know...but my health, my self-care does need to come first or I can't be any use to myself or loved ones.
I never thought that would take courage!! It does take a "leap" to value ourselves sometimes.
Thanks Ali!
Lyn

My biggest leap has been to not fear the unknown.