Jen Ottovegio Coaching

March 3, 2026

This weekend I did lots of things that scared me. I want to tell you about two of them. 😳

On Friday, I went to an erotica poetry open mic night at my local pub.

As I was preparing to go, I thought: “I cannot imagine sharing something like that with a room full of strangers.”

And of course… the moment I had that thought, I knew I wanted to try.

I’ve learned something about myself over the years: If I want to grow, I have to keep doing different things.

Not reckless things. Just things that stretch the edges a little.

the open mic

So I opened my journal, and wrote a short piece of prose. Something I’ve been wanting to reflect on, articulate, and remember for myself anyway.

Then I showed up. Put my name on the list. And read it in front of about 40 people.

I could barely read my handwriting. I giggled awkwardly several times.

Halfway through I literally stopped and asked the audience, “Is this going okay? Should I keep going?”

They erupted in applause.

So I kept going. I finished. There were many people that came up to me afterward to congratulate me and say how much they enjoyed my piece.

I didn't even share a poem at this poetry night. It was just a journal entry. But it was thematically aligned, appropriate for the audience, and I just decided to do it.

To practice taking up some space in a different way. That felt important. It was.

the improv stage

Then on Sunday night, I did another scary thing.

I performed improv on a stage for the first time as part of my Level 1 class showcase.

Every adult in my group was nervous. Like… visibly, palpably nervous. Even my improv teacher, who was hosting.

And it reminded me of something important:

Everyone feels the fear. Some people decide to show up anyway. I want to be that person.

the real reward

The pride that comes from doing the hard thing - from standing on the other side of the moment you almost backed out of - is honestly unlike any other drug I’ve ever tried.

Do I think I did a stellar job at improv? Nope. But, I don't really care. It was a Level 1 student showcase. I wasn't expecting to be stellar. That wasn't the point.

Let me be clear. You don’t have to read erotica at an open mic. Or try improv acting.

But if there’s something in your life that’s whispering "that would be good for me" or "I wish I was brave enough to try this"... you might consider listening.

And yes, yesterday I felt like I had a vulnerability hangover. I was so tired. And today I feel AMAZING and like I could do anything.

So, yeah. The strange magic of showing up and doing the scary thing.

💙 jen

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P.S. If you want support trying new things this year, here are a few ways we can do that together:

​Monthly Reset Ritual — tomorrow at 1pm PT (Supportive group space to integrate February and plan your March.)

​The Vitality Lab — Saturday, 3–5pm in Bingen, WA (Hands-on workshop where you’ll learn science-backed ways to support lymph health and take home a gorgeous self-care kit.)

​Intentional Year Project — Free coaching session, available until March 13 (If you’re wanting to be more brave this year, I will help you map out your next steps.)