It's wonderful that you've overcome that old barrier in FMQ. And funny how you described that it might not be better--could just be in your head. LOL. I'm sure everything is better in MY head than it is anywhere else. -----
But I remember the day I forged ahead in bravery to FMQ rather than my "safe" stitch in the ditch. Found it was fun to do bubbles, leaves, hearts, swirls, dog bones, meandering... The key was practicing on donation quilts to kids , and thinking of the motifs as "hidden pictures", knowing that kids don't judge. That helped me relax and enjoy the ride so much that I didn't fear the quilting stage. It still stumps me from time to time, but I don't fear it .