7 Encouragements: A Gentle Guide
💖Hey there! If you’ve clicked on this post, chances are you’re feeling a bit hesitant about stepping out of your comfort zone. Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many of us face fears when it comes to trying new things. Have you ever seen a breaking dancing match. Everyone has their signature moves and then you look over to see that one person just doing the Top Rock. Just standing on the sidelines, never jumping in full of fear, hesitate of getting in there and doing their own moves.
That feeling is overwhelming, believe me I know. I can think of each aspect of my own journey such as travel, starting a business and even to launch this Intentional Dragonfly Journey blog. Being apprehensive just to initiate, begin, embark, establish, venture, rebirth, kickoff… So
Whether it’s starting a new hobby, meeting new people, or simply changing up our daily routine, the fear of the unknown can feel pretty daunting.
But guess what? It doesn’t have to be. Let’s dive into some comforting thoughts on how to embrace new experiences!
**1. Acknowledge Your Feelings**
First things first, let’s acknowledge that it’s completely normal to feel scared or anxious about trying new things. Change can be unsettling! Instead of fighting those feelings, accept them.
Now think of the break-dancer again, this time without the shame. Scary but that’s okay, they are out there, moving.
Recognizing your emotions is the first step toward overcoming them. It’s okay to feel nervous—just know that you’re not alone.
Here’s me practicing Silk Arts. Was I scared yes and I let my friend Bella the instructor know. It was helpful that she guided me with placing my hands and feet. It was also super helpful that my kids went before me!!! ( :=)
**2. Take Baby Steps**
You don’t have to leap into something entirely new all at once. Start small! If you want to try a new hobby, consider dedicating just a few minutes to it this week. Now think the break-dancer, trying to do a “arm wave” in the next match. Then adding a full body wave the next time!
For years I wanted to start my own catering/picnic business and I thought it needed to be this grand gesture with large venues. However, my husband continued to say, “just do something small.” That’s exactly what I did, I made 10 orders of delicious chicken waffles and sold them to a friend’s office. And voila’, just like that I started my business! With actually, building a loyal customer base. Now on Thursday’s, Dragonfly Journey does nice breakfast delivery to many happy patrons!.
Whether it’s sketching, cooking a new recipe, or reading a book in a genre you’ve never tried, take it one tiny step at a time. Each small step will build your confidence.
**3. Focus on the Positives**
When you think about trying something new, it can be easy to fixate on what could go wrong. Instead, shift your focus to the potential positives. What exciting things could happen?
The break-dancer now finds loud cheering while doing the body wave! That’s enough to give momentum to show up to the next battle.
There is a rainy season here in Northern Italy. Within that season, there’s also fog. At first the fog felt debilitating on my morning nature walks. Yet the more I got out with a “no matter what walk”, I begin to feel a comfort in the majestic fog against the medieval castle backdrops.
You might discover a new passion, meet amazing people, or learn something incredible about yourself. Embrace the possibility!
**4. Normalize “Failure” **
It’s important to remember that not everything will go perfectly, and that’s okay!
Our break-dancer feels the confidence and thinks to try the moonwalk next time. There is a couple of failed attempts. After much practice the moonwalk is a new signature move!
Trying new things often comes with mistakes and “failures”—but these are actually learning experiences.
Obtaining my bachelor’s degree was a series of attempts, starts and stops. While “life keep lifeing”, finally one day with my husband, children, and first grandchild all watching me… as I walked across the stage.
Reframe failure as just a “First Attempt In Learning” (or FAIL for short). Each time you try, you’re gaining knowledge and insight, regardless of the outcome.
**5. Remember That No One is Watching**
Fear of judgment can be paralyzing, but here’s a comforting truth: most people are too busy focusing on their own lives to scrutinize yours.
During these breakdancing sessions our break-dancer realizes that no one was judging, but they also were just trying to prefect their own moves!
Everyone has their own struggles and insecurities. 🙁
Trying to maintain a garden threw all the downfalls: dying plants, undeveloped plants and even a few chickens getting over the fence to eat down your Kale! However in the end there was a harvest. Plenty of pickles, salsa, jelly and canning made to enjoy!
So, take a deep breath, remind yourself that it’s perfectly okay to be a beginner, and give yourself permission to try.
**6. Celebrate Your Courage**
Whenever you try something new, even if it doesn’t go as planned, take a moment to celebrate!
What’s next for our break-dancer, of course a competition! Even if it’s a third-place win, It’s a win!
Acknowledge your courage for stepping out of your comfort zone.
Feeling like a warrior, reformer Pilates is now my jam! If you would see my beginning bridges and shoulder stands, you’d wonder why! Now just showing up to the classes , each time is a better class worth the gratitude.
Every attempt is progress, and each little victory deserves recognition.
**7. Find a Support System**
If possible, engage friends or family in your new endeavors.
The break-dancer asks loved ones to come cheer on at the competitions. Nothing like preforming while your people shout and clap for you!
Having a support system can make trying new things less intimidating. A supporter can give you encouragement, share in the experience, and help reduce the pressure you might feel.
The encouragers, mentors, partners, and enthusiasts I found while homeschooling in Italy in our small community is unmatched.
In the end, remember that life is all about experiences. Embracing new challenges can lead to personal growth, excitement, and a richer, more fulfilling life. So, take a deep breath, let go of your fears, and dive into something new. You’ve got this!
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