On trying something new, Queen Bey said “... people don’t like to rehearse. You gotta be humble. You gotta be willing to look awkward and you gotta study, be a student.”
This month for me has been all about doing new and scary things. Two weeks into the new year, I drove on Lekki-Epe expressway for the first time. My soul, literally, left my body multiple times while I was driving. Cars were honking and I didn't hear a thing. To add to my anxiety, I was driving a manual car and I didn't even know how to use my mirrors properly. All I could think of was "Don't die!" and "Clutch, gear 1, gear 2, clutch, brake".
I remember we got to Jakande and I was about to turn into Circle Mall road when my driving instructor told me to change to gear 2. At this point, the fear had gotten to the tip of my ears; I replied: You'll probably have to change the gear yourself because I can't do it. He ignored my excuse and made me changed the gear. When we were done with the class, the fear I had experienced showed in the sweat that drenched the orange dress I wore.
Last week, I drove that same stretch of road. This time with less tension around my lips. I didn't drive perfectly but I managed to maintain my lane and look at my mirrors.
January was a month filled with firsts and the awkwardness of beginnings; from driving class to wearing outfits that aren’t black, white or grey to taking time off social media, joining the gym and bowling for the first time. I loved every minute of it.
Most times we run away from trying new things or putting ourselves out there because we are scared of looking stupid. You will look stupid and most likely fail repeatedly but it is all part of the process. That is what makes the journey worth it and the destination so beautiful.
So, if there's anything on your January goals list that you're scared of trying, start this week and enjoy the awkward phase of figuring it out.
Enjoyment always,
Maeyo.