When we’re young, everything is new. We are experts at being beginners. We learn how to get the attention of our caregivers, and how to hold it (from crying to cooing). We learn how to eat and drink. We learn how to move through the world (for most of us, we might learn to crawl, and then to walk). We might learn things like swimming or coloring, trying new foods or playing a sport. We might learn to play an instrument or dance, to hike a mountain or tie our shoe. We might learn to multiply, or learn to read, or even learn to juggle! 

The point is that when we are kids, being a beginner is normal. Failure is normal. And while we might get frustrated, most of us didn’t get TOO frustrated – because it was much more of the norm for us to feel this way. You might have gotten envious of the bigger kids riding a bike, but if you were given a bike and you took to it, it wasn’t long before you wanted the big kid bike or wanted to get the training wheels off and started putting the work in to get there. 

We’ve got so much going on in our backyards, our country, and around the world right now. I hope you’re continuing to make time to evaluate your role and play your part in standing up for goodness and justice in the world. I hope you’re supporting your neighbors and being proactive in doing so.

But you know what else I hope? I hope that you can take a moment to recognize yourself for when you try new things. Maybe you’re uncomfortable because you know you “have to” call your representatives, but phone calls are hard for you. Maybe you’re facing a chronic illness or housing situation or job or career change that is forcing you to learn new things. And maybe you’re not always doing a great job at it. 

And yes, maybe it’s the realization that you don’t have well-honed mental fitness skills yet. Maybe it’s admitting when you need help. Maybe it’s practicing things like boundary-setting and meditation. Even if you feel like the world’s most awkward human when you do so. 

Brown wooden letter tiles spell WHY NOT TRY by Brett Jordan

This week, I tried a new treatment for a health challenge, and I was really nervous about it. I wasn’t sure what to expect, even though I’d done some research. And like many adults, I don’t feel as well-practiced at trying new things as I did when I was a kid. 

But I am proud of myself, because I made the phone call, did the thing, and you know what? It worked! It’s a short-term treatment, but for today, I can see the improvement, and I am so grateful for that. 

Have you tried something new lately? Is anything on your list to try? And if so, what’s one small step that you could take today to help you to realize that goal? 
If you would like some support in developing some new mental fitness skills, I’ve got you. What a great new thing to try! I invite you to set aside a time with me to see how saboteurs are keeping you from finding more ease and joy in your life. Head here.