Fun Fact Friday: I’m a Jump-In-Head-First Kind of Girl

If there’s one thing to know about me—it’s this: I don’t dip my toe in. I dive straight in.

Whether it’s photography, running, or a DIY furniture flip, when something sparks my interest… I go all in.

I still laugh thinking about how I got started in photography. I liked the idea of it, so I took one class, decided to offer a single day of holiday minis, bought a new laptop, upgraded my camera, and—just like that—I was a photographer. No overthinking. Just a big leap and a “let’s figure this out as we go” attitude.

The same thing happened with running. I watched one marathon in Chicago, and the next day I was running my first mile on a treadmill. Thirty days later? I ran my first 5K, followed by my first half marathon six months after that. And two years later (only delayed by an injury before my first planned race), I crossed the finish line of my first marathon.

Then there are those random “I can totally do this” moments… Like finding a nightstand flip project online and, within an hour, driving to pick up a $20 find from Facebook Marketplace. Shopping carts full of paint and supplies? Already waiting for checkout. I've even got an instagram page dedicated to all our DIY - you can check it out here @homesweetstickelmaier

It’s funny, because I’m also a serious planner. I live by schedules and structure. But something about the initial spark of an idea lights me up—and when it does, I can’t help but go full speed ahead.

Honestly? If I didn’t jump in and figure it out along the way, I’d probably never start half the things I love. I’m a firm believer that if you leap fast enough, fear doesn’t have time to catch up to you.

So here’s your encouragement for the day:If something excites you, don’t wait for it to be perfect. Don’t wait until you’ve mapped out every detail. Sometimes, the best things come from saying yes now and learning as you go.

And if you're also an impulsive planner like me? You’re in good company.

With love & big leaps,