Blog by Sara

Jan 6, 2015

Jan 10, 2014

I was a teenager at a girls camp with my church. It was the last night–a night of presentations from the camp leaders. One of the leaders talked about the importance of gratitude. I don’t remember what she said, but I remember the book she handed me–a small notebook with the words “Gratitude Journal” written across the front.

The last two years have been filled with some of the hardest trials Scott and I have ever gone through. And in that time I have felt anxiety, depression, and so many other feelings. But I have been able to get through it. And one of the things that has helped me–besides an amazing husband and miracle baby–is gratitude.

Remember that story about how I quit the corporate world because of anxiety? (If not, read here.) When I was so stressed, Scott would ask, “What helps you relax?”

I recently watched the documentary “Val” on Amazon Prime. Very insightful. I have always like Val Kilmer as an actor, mostly because my childhood friend was obsessed with him and made me watch many movies featuring his face.

Have you ever been entrenched in an experience—maybe a job, school, group brainstorm—when you learn something and that new knowledge percolates ideas and thoughts? Have you ever had a moment in your exercise routine when your brain suddenly turns on and a flood of ideas fill your mind? Have you ever had a spiritual journey that enhances your ability to generate new thoughts?

I’ve been spouting this term “live creatively” since the days of KreatNou. I tag it in posts on Instagram and Facebook. I use it as a form of encouragement, as a call to action.

With KreatNou, Scott and I talked a lot about failure—that failure is okay, in fact, it’s good. When we fail, we should not quit, but instead recognize our potential for growth. We should take failure as a steppingstone to become better and better and better.

I love all things creative. So why couldn’t I do what KreatNou was doing, but as Sara Ann Comte? The thought hadn’t even crossed my mind.

I am embarrassed to admit so many things about this last year. The most embarrassing thing, though, is that I have let myself succumb to fear, anxiety, and depression (I’m not talking clinical). Yes, I get that these are things everyone experiences. We shouldn’t be embarrassed. It’s normal. And yet, we are. Right?

I learned a long time ago that my expectations are rarely reality. And I’ve been okay with that. In fact, I prided myself in my adaptability and ability to stay positive in the midst of uncertainty. But this last year and a half has been a completely different story—one that has led to my belief in and desire to share “Live. Grow. Play. Create.”