Trying Something New

Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to get everything accomplished that you’d like to? It seems like I’m feeling that way more and more these days as I discover new hobbies and things that I want to learn… you just don’t have time to do it all! So when it comes to prioritizing, sometimes the “fun” activities fall to the wayside because essential activities like “laundry” and “showering” come first. Ugh.

But, in 2018 I’ve been learning how to make time for the things that I love to do. I’m definitely going to be sharing more about my newfound morning routine (game-changer) because it’s allowed me to do more of what I love while still getting all my normal daily tasks done and not being completely exhausted by the end of the day. But today I’m sharing about one of those “fun” activities I was talking about! I got the opportunity to attend a painting workshop by The Painted Jackalope – she’s amazing! – and it was so. much. fun! I went with my best friend and we had such a fun time, it made me wonder why I don’t go to things like that more often!

So in honor of making more time for myself and trying something new, I’m sharing three reasons why you should do the same! Get out there, take a course, attend a workshop, join a club… the possibilities are endless! But get out of your comfort zone! (I’m telling that to myself more than anyone else!) What is your favorite thing that you’ve gotten to do for yourself lately? What about something that’s pushed you out of your comfort zone? Let me know so I can cheer you on!

1. You’re learning a new skill – look at you go! I learned a new technique for painting that I had never seen before, and the end result is three little canvases that I’m actually SO proud of! The possibilities are literally endless at the amount of opportunity out there to learn a new skill – you could learn the art of calligraphy, how to improv dance, or even how to balance your checkbook! The actual skill doesn’t really matter, as long as you’re having fun and
2. You’re getting out of your comfort zone! It could just be me, but once I find a hobby or activity that I really love, I stick to it and don’t branch out a ton. This applies to learning new skills – I don’t want to try something new and look silly – but it also applies to walking into a room full of people I don’t know, and especially talking out loud in front of said room full of people. I’m shy, so attending a class like this is so far out of my comfort zone, and I challenged myself in the best way! And it’s the best place to meet new people and potentially make some new friends! When everyone is learning a new skill, laughing at yourself and encouraging each other is such an easy way to relax and bond with the people around you.
3. It’s a good time to catch up with a friend, too! You didn’t think I went to that class ALL by myself did you?! I definitely wasn’t ready for that kind of challenge yet, so I went along with a dear friend who I hadn’t gotten to see in months, and it was the perfect time to catch up while also meeting the people around us. We talked and laughed and left with the most adorable paintings that I’ll cherish forever from that day.