One thing I have learnt over the last few months is that saying yes opens so many doors to new opportunities and experiences. I'm usually one to shy away from new things as I feared I would be rubbish at it so why bother?! But I have completely changed my outlook and am trying so many new things, I'm loving every second of it too.
In December, a couple of good friends that I used to work with asked me to go climbing with them. They have been asking on and off for about 4 years and I always said no because my ex wasn't happy about it when I mentioned it to him after their first invite. I was... how can I put this diplomatically?.. very controlled by his opinion and going against it wasn't worth the argument so I rarely did anything I wanted. That was as much my fault as his, I could've stood up for myself but I wasn't strong enough so missed out on so many opportunities. All that has changed!
I took my good friends up on their offer and went climbing for the first time. I was pretty terrified as my old fears of "I won't be any good at it!" popped up but I pushed them down and did it anyway. I am hooked! I love climbing, it's such an amazing mental and physical challenge. I have also passed my belay test so don't need to be signed in or supervised any more... I'm a proper climbing now!!
My first night climbing and I haven't looked back since!
I completed a 6a level climb on my 3rd visit... pretty impressive!
The next thing I said yes to was my first Cardiff Parkrun. I was determined to meet new people/runners and make new friends so started chatting away to anyone who would stand still for 5 seconds. Now anyone who really knows me will know what an achievement this is for me. I have made quite a few friends in just a couple of weeks and have also been 'adopted' by a local running club who I will officially join from April.
Me and Katie giving it our all!
I also started a new job at the beginning of February and am having such a good time there. Everyone is so nice and friendly. One of my new colleagues invited us all to a music recital one lunch time and my first response was "nah". I have no idea why that popped into my head first but I soon squashed it down and took her up on the offer. I am so glad I did as the excellent performers were from the Royal Welsh School of Music and Drama in Cardiff, it was a lovely experience and one that I hope to do again.
Full of gifted performers
I've also been invited to a Pampered Chef night at another new colleagues home. I think it's a posh version of a tuppawear party but it means I get to socialise and meet new people so I'm up for it!
www.pamperedchef.co.uk
A quick word or warning... saying yes is great but you also have to have some sort of self-preservation. Don't take unnecessary risks with your health, mental health or life, or with anyone else's for that matter.
Some wise person (I have no idea who) once said... "Say yes more often and your life will lead you in amazing journeys and adventures."
As my Besty asks me every time I have a dilemma "would you rather be on your death bed wishing you'd had the guts to do it or glad that you gave it a go?" I choose glad I did it EVERY time! Life is too short for regrets or 'what ifs', I've learnt that the hard way over the last 30 odd years and I refuse to allow fear to dictate my path in life.
So go out there and grab those opportunities; ask that girl/guy out, take that career leap, go out when you really don't want to, join a club, take up a new hobby, do SOMETHING cos you never know where it might lead or how amazing your next experience will be. Don't do it someday, do it today!
Yes you could fall on your face or feel a bit embarrassed but forget about that and go for it anyway, imagine how awesome it will feel all the times that it goes your way.
#PushingBackHarder
