On December 5th, at 9pm e/p, the DIY Network will air an episode of Renovation Realities featuring yours truly. The episode is about our studio renovation project for Betsy’s Photography. And while I can’t divulge any specifics, I can say this: Waiting to see yourself on TV is an intimidating feeling.
Especially when you’re not a part of the editing process.
Especially once you read the lead-in written by the network:
…The setbacks become a recurring theme as the couple battles scheduling conflicts, unfamiliar tools, and hunger-fueled blowups throughout the renovation…
Was I worried about having the whole world see what my studio looked like before we finished the space?
Yes. Wouldn’t that be obvious… especially with this description?
…It’s a barren space with nothing more than some backdrops hanging on one wall, and a seating area with miss-matched couches against another…
In truth though, it really says more about my ability to create something amazing out of nothing spectacular. All my studio competition prints to-date were created in that unfinished space — two of which will be in this year’s showcase book.
Am I worried about what they’ve caught on tape?
Yes. But I shouldn’t have to be. I was there during the whole filming. I know that we typically work well together, but sometimes Steven and I get into arguments (doesn’t everyone?).
Maybe the episode will show us making some good choices, maybe it will reveal some poor choices. But why should I worry about it? I am human. I make mistakes. I’m not perfect.
And neither is anyone else.
I shouldn’t have to worry about what other people will think, yet I am tempted to do so.
My family, my friends, and everyone who knows me… they all know what kind of person I am. Who cares how we get portrayed on the show? Who cares what the world thinks?
All that matters is this: I have a wonderful husband, and a supportive network of family and friends. We will enjoy watching the show, and be able to laugh at ourselves because we can.
Shakespeare’s words come to mind:
This above all: to thine own self be true – Hamlet
You can’t live your life to its fullest extent if you are so caught up in worrying about what other people will think. Don’t you deserve to live your life the way you want?
Life is too short to worry (especially about what other people think).
I know I’m not the only one out there with this “problem” (if you can call it that…it’s more like a natural human tendency!) So how do we overcome this desire to appease others? The hardest part is taking that first step: stop caring so much about things that don’t matter in the big scheme of things. Just focus on living your life. Be open to self-discovery, and remember, it’s ok to make mistakes. Without mistakes and failure, there would not be success.
Plus, life would be pretty boring.
Remember, that’s December 5th at 9pm (e/p) on DIY Network.
Betsy is a Michigan-based 
