Dearest Reader,

Last year, I talked my friend into crashing a party.  We heard all this great music and laughing and did not want to miss out.  Unfortunately, it did not go well.  Mortification has blocked some of my memory but there was confrontation, outrage, and kicking-out involved.  Looking back, we should have grabbed a bottle of wine, offered it to the hostess, and said the party sounded like a lot of fun and to enjoy the wine with our compliments.  We might have been invited to join in the festivities.  Invitation or not, it would have been a classy way to handle the situation and is exactly what I will do next time.  You, dear reader, may use this graceful option for any of your upcoming party-crashing opportunities.

Upon returning, tails between our legs, my friend’s husband was shocked by our new party crasher status and even more shocked I was the instigator.  I was chastened but also a little proud of us.  We did not stay home listening to all those people having a good time.  We put on our party pants and went for it!  Of course, we went down in flames but we STILL went for it!

In the same vein, my overarching goal for 2017 is to be more bold.  I know a life well-lived requires one to be courageous and I am ready for the challenge.  I aspire to tackle one fear-inducing activity each week and blog about it.  I’m going to talk to that guy at Peet’s.  I’m going to go to that event by myself.  And finally, I’m going to crash that party… but this time with a bottle of wine. You, dear reader, can learn from my mistakes and forge your own courageous path.  Together we can lead emboldened, richer, opportunity-filled and more productive lives because we decided to be brave.
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Happy No Fears!
XO M.J.

P.S.  Click on the Happy No Fears image for the downloadable PDF.

     Traveling can be a little intimidating at times.  You stay in Airbnbs trusting the hosts are not whacked-out axe murderers but how can you really be sure?!  Here are 7 signs you're going to survive the night:

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1. Your host has a chunky spotted cat named Boubou (pronounced Boo Boo).
2. Prominently displayed in the living room is a Boubou watercolor.
3. Boubou has playdates with the neighboring cat.
4. Boubou has her own Facebook page and probably more followers than you do.
5. Boubou’s postings are written in the first person.
6. Boubou has a hyphenated last name representing both members of your hosting couple.
7. Boubou is not as into you, as you are into Boubou.  Fame has made Boubou a little stuck up.

     Yep…you survived your harrowing night at the Airbnb!  Your host sat with you for an hour explaining the confusing Scottish roads, made you a delicious lunch, and carried your overly stuffed luggage to the car.

     The only scary thing about your entire visit: keeping the door shut so Boubou didn't get any ideas.
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    Thank you Vassilies, Tulay, and Boubou!  It was an absolute pleasure!