From hobbies to careers to lifestyle changes, it seems many folks I know have decided COVID put their lives on hold long enough, and it’s time to breathe new air. I salute you.
As someone who’s made a living out of helping people make changes, permit me to offer a few insights that could smooth your journey to the land of New and Renew.
You will get better at this You are now a better walker than when you took your first steps, a better conversationalist than when you first talked about the weather, and a better cook than when you first boiled water.
Heaven knows that last one applies to me. I got it in my head one day to make crepes, an astonishingly easy recipe to construct, but a technique that wasn’t automatic, at least for me. My first attempt featured clumps of flour that were big enough to be dry in the middle—we’re taking Mojave Desert dry. That went away with practice.
This is especially true if you’re reigniting an interest in something you used to do, and were good at. It may take a while to remember every nuance involved in doing what you want to do. That’s part of the fun.
Your troops have your back Whether it’s crepes, painting, poetry, or a new career, you likely have a cadre of true supporters who are going to cheer your efforts and urge you on. Let them, and revel in their support.
Incredibly enough, they typically don’t have to see your first watercolor, read your first quarterly review, or try your first salmon puff. These true believers simply love you, and are thrilled to see you seeking a new side of you. If you have evidence suggesting they are judging you instead, it’s time for something else that’s new— new friends.
Journal Your new “thing” doesn’t need to be all you talk about with your friends—that would be unkind, and, believe it or not, unhelpful to you. If you have trouble controlling yourself, get a notebook and journal your pathway forward. It’s a great release, and can be a valuable record for future growth.
Be patient It took about 30 minutes for me to make really bad crepes at first. The process is now down to 5 minutes, and I’m told by some (but not all, and that’s OK) the crepes are really quite good. Schedule huge blocks of time to take on your new thing, knowing it will develop its own sense of efficiency. We educators have a name for this—it’s called learning.
Consider lessons In the midst of a desire to master golf (yeah—as if), I decided to take a lesson. A random golf pro who knew not to laugh or faint at my current skill level had me hitting the ball 20 yards farther in about 30 minutes. It was well worth the investment.
See past your budget New activities may affect your bottom line in the form of lessons, materials, tools, and experiences. If that’s limiting you, see if family and friends are willing to support your new endeavor with holiday and birthday gifts that can help you move forward. Sure beats another tie or scarf.
Then again… It’s also true you may try out this new thing and plateau at a performance level that isn’t as high as you expected, but you love doing this thing anyway. It’s still something new, it’s still growth, and it’s still something wonderful. Be happy with that. If you can’t be, move on to something else. Trying is still growth, too.
The Message Gift in My Son’s Eyes
(After a Violin Lesson)
I know
My soul
But I have some questions
About Earth.
I’ll ask them with my mouth
For now
But it’s really
My heart
That seeks to know.
Speak there
And soon
You will not need to see my tongue
To know
What is needed.
Six O'Clock Sky 
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