CraftyCutie:Hey, are you busy?
MightyPuck:Never for you. What do you need?
It barely takes him any time to respond. A soothing warmth spreads around my heart.
CraftyCutie:Do you mind if I talk something out? You don’t even have to say anything. I just wanted somewhere to dump out my thoughts.
MightyPuck:Of course. I told you I’m always here to listen if you need me. Shoot.
CraftyCutie:You’re the best. Have you ever been to a holiday market?
MightyPuck:Sure.
CraftyCutie:Cool, okay, so there’s one happening near Boston at the end of the year. I’m thinking about trying to get in as a vendor.
MightyPuck:That sounds awesome.
CraftyCutie:It is! It would be, at least I think so. I’ve got the application, but I’m choking on filling it in. Whenever I start, I’m like, wait I’m a super small creator compared to the vendors that are accepted. Then I googled it and apparently this sucky feeling is imposter syndrome. I don’t know, I think I’m just really in my head about it. But I still want to do it.
MightyPuck:Do you want my input, or would you prefer if I just listened?
I roll my lips between my teeth, fighting the tender affection that cuts through my stress. How does he know me so well?
I wish I could be wrapped in one of his fantastic hugs. They’re the best. When I’m in his arms, it never fails to make me feel calm and balanced.
When did I get so reliant on him? It doesn’t matter. All I know is I can’t imagine not having him to lean on when I need him.
CraftyCutie:Solution-oriented suggestions are welcome.
MightyPuck:What’s the worst that can happen if you submit and don’t get in?
CraftyCutie:…nothing? I just continue on.
MightyPuck:But you tried, so that counts for something, right? You won’t know if you don’t try, just like starting your shop. You can always apply again.
CraftyCutie:Good point.
MightyPuck:And if you get in, that’s amazing.
CraftyCutie:You’re right. Will you stay with me while I fill this in?
MightyPuck:Absolutely. Not going anywhere.
My heart swells. Knowing I’m not alone helps immensely. It’s not as daunting to make my way through the application while he sends encouraging messages.
CraftyCutie:Okay… I’m gonna do it.
MightyPuck:Right here with you, sweetheart.
I rub my fingers together before hovering over the submission button. Just to be sure, I skim through the application again, adding a bit more to my bio section and reword a few other sentences. Blowing out a breath when I’m sure I’m ready, I send it off.
Popping out of my chair with a broad grin, I walk in a tight circle, shaking excess energy out with a flick of my hands. I bolt back to my phone as the adrenaline rush subsides to send him an update.
CraftyCutie:I submitted it!
MightyPuck:Good girl.
CraftyCutie:Thanks so much for doing this with me. It was a huge help.
