No. 3: Creativity and fear
Leaving a job and learning to walk with fear
Summer in Japan
One year ago today, on June 7, I left a job that meant a lot to me.
I walked away.
A brilliant colleague recently wrote something that captured this kind of choice with elegant precision:
“As people, we always have choices, even when the choices are suboptimal. Sometimes it just takes a conversation (or a few) with a trusted colleague to get clarity on what those choices are that we need to make and to remember that we are the ones with the power to make them. The darker reality is that we are often in positions where the best choice is to walk away, whatever action that requires and whatever risks come with it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
— Malcolm Xavier
Leaving came with real personal risk. To wrangle the fear, I flew to Japan with one of my closest friends.
My mantra:
New is nice, always.
Fear
Creatives hustle. We make it happen. As artists, we shape our own vision. As designers, we bring a shared one to life.
But creativity needs action, and action invites fear.
Mistakes, failure, embarrassment—they’re inevitable. And survivable. Fear, it turns out, is a portal. Terrifying, yes—but it leads somewhere worth going.
A few years ago, I was having debilitating panic attacks. I got to a point where I could feel one coming on. I’d walk outside barefoot and press my feet into the gravel surrounding the historic Miami bungalow I rented at the time. It grounded me.
Movement was the only thing that helped, but even jogging triggered symptoms. So I walked. Everywhere. I sold my car and walked Miami’s sidewalks for a full year.
One step at a time.
That, and a summer of ketamine-assisted therapy in Mallorca, eventually quieted the panic.
I learned to walk with fear.
Keep Moving
There are frightening, exciting things ahead of us. Possibilities. Unknowns.
Even if your pace is slow, keep moving.
New is nice, always.
Summer of Love
It’s June in Miami. The tech scene here is finally blooming.
In the 22 years I’ve lived in this city, it finally feels new. Ideas float. Doors open. You can feel the shift.
Last summer, I created New is Nice Always as a space for myself. That space now lives here on Substack. It also grew into a creative studio and community: ninacollab.com.
As I’ve reconnected with myself and others, I’ve begun guiding people through moments of uncertainty. These sessions help people identify what they want and find real steps forward.
In 2025, I’ll launch Connect Miami, a project I dreamt up nearly 15 years ago.
New is nice, always.
Making Good Choices
At my daughter’s preschool, the kids were taught that every moment is a chance to make good choices.
Be kind. Eat well. Clean up. Use your words. Help others.
As adults, making good choices often means choosing healing. And healing begins when we step out of isolation.
These days, I take action rooted in love.
I speak to myself kindly. That’s new for me.
I treat my fear with gentleness, humor, and respect.
And slowly, step by step, my self-esteem grows.
New is nice, always.
June in Miami
One year ago today, I walked away from something that mattered deeply.
Since then, I’ve focused on my daughter. We’ve traveled, we’ve created, we’ve laughed. And this summer, we’re launching something together: Juniper Blossom—a collection of artifacts and wearable art to help you follow your dreams, wherever they lead.
I’ll write again in July. Until then, I wish you a summer full of fresh air, small steps, and big-hearted beginnings.
With love,
Eva ツ