Today is my second day at the temp job, but I fear it might be my last. The first day went well but there hasn’t been enough business to justify having two extra workers. I feel my time here might be very limited and I will soon go back to the ranks of the unemployed. That actually won’t be a terrible thing for me IF it happens. I just took the job so I would have something to do instead of sit around my apartment and eat. I could always find other things to do.
The last couple days have been full of firsts for me. My first time going to a movie alone. My first temp job. My first time (insert secret goal here). I’ve grown comfortable doing things for the first time. I’ve not let fear of the unknown stop me from doing anything like it has in the past. Ive embraced the unknown, albeit with a little anxiety, and learned that the first time doing something can lead to great unknown things. The unknown is not necessarily always bad.
All of these things are happening because I refuse to let anything hold me back – especially myself. I’ve talked about it before but I’ve regretted the times I let my weight or fear or anxiety of things hold me back. I’m no longer one to skip over opportunities just because I am worried about the unknown aspects.
Coming up for me is another first: my first tattoo. I’ve been mulling over several tattoos I want to get and although I haven’t decided placement yet I have decided to go forward and get one this month. My life is drastically and rapidly changing right now and I want to further that by getting ink finally. Since I have several ideas I haven’t chosen my first yet but I am also thinking about my second tattoo: the words “Live Boldly.” Those now mean a lot more to me than I ever thought they would. It’s like my new motto and the greatest remind ever. And perhaps one day will be my new tattoo.
Good for you! I love the attitude you’ve adopted. Perhaps I’ll be brave enough to adopt it myself someday.
My stuff has been so similar to what you wrote about. Total uncertainty and getting used to that fact.
Brave girl! Life is all about daring to try new things…
LOVE the 2nd tattoo & love that you are not going to let anything hold you back! What an inspiration!
Whittling? Podcasting? Fly-fishing? Juggling? Salsa dancing? Braille? Latin crossword puzzles? Double-dutch jump roping? Needlepoint? Small engine repair? Barefoot skiing? Watercolor painting? Public speaking? Snake charming? Pickle-making? Trick riding?
I’m gonna guess what that secret goal was, Mary. You might as well just come out and say…
@Jack
I can whittle. Done podcasting. I’ll leave fly fishing to the professionals. I can juggle. I’ve been salsa dancing. I’ve got no need for Braille currently. I don’t know Latin. I was on a double dutch jump rope team in elementary school. I’ve done awesome needlepoints. I’ve got mechanics for that. Better barefoot than with skis. I love watercolor painting. I’m a terrible public speaker but I’ve done it. Snake charming, pickle-making, trick riding… where do you come up with this??
You will never find out. Although if you did you’d probably laugh.
I am one of the few people I know who don’t have a tattoo. Actually I think theres only about one other person in sf I know who doesn’t. lol. Ive never been able to think of what I want on me that I want there forever. Im changeable. I like them tho so yay for yours! And yay for firsts! Ive been trying to do more stuff myself, and not letting the fact that im doing them alone keep me from doing things. (like with your going to the movies). Sorry bout the temp job but who knows more might come.
I hear strength. That’s always a good thing. You go, girl!
Way to go with all the firsts!
Oh tell us the missing first! :D
I waited until I was in my late 30’s to go to my first movie alone! dumb.
Life is great though … every day is an opportunity for firsts, Mary!
Congratulations on letting nothing stop you.
A word of advice though … do not do “playing in traffic” be on your list of firsts.
Great post!
Congrats on the firsts in your life! I love people who go to the movies by themselves. That means they are there because they want to be. Not because their friends or significant other was bored or dragged them. I know I am weird, but that is cool.
Dave
LifeExcursion
Hey Mary,
I love your spirit… and I’m in exactly the same boat- consciously trying to take on what I fear in order to diminish it’s power. The tough thing is that the more you avoid what scares you.. the harder it becomes to confront it. That what I have found in my journey at least :) Bravo to you… it makes me feel stronger just reading your trails and your journey to become braver :)
Karen
I think we need to challenge ourselves constantly, push our own limits otherwise we tend to fall into a rut! Good luck with all your firsts and may there be many more!
I am taking over a girl scout troop. I am the person who zones in on the corner of any room and beelines, this is a huge step for me. One step at a time, right? Keep it up.
Hey Mary!
Thanks for this post, really inspiring…let us know what tattoo you get…go for it! :-)
Jen
you know I love the idea of a tattoo with meaning and one which would inspire you daily to be you. live authentically and UNAPOLOGETICALLY.
Im so proud of you for the secret goal.
like I tweeted atcha–no need to even ever tell us what it is.
It sounds like you’re living your life to the fullest. That’s totally fantastic. I hope that you continue to live your life boldly. You will NEVER regret it. I am also thinking about getting a tattoo as well ‘LifeLifeFully’…it’s along the same lines. I am smiling from Australia. GO GIRL! Knock down walls, bang on doors, soar.
Life.Life.Fully ~M
I love your tattoo idea. My tattoos all mean something very important to me.
Yes, I remember the whole “go to the movies alone” thing. I actually enjoyed it a lot.
“Live Boldly”. Yes, I’m going to take your advice.
And that bravery and adventure is ADDICTIVE, isn’t it?
Thanks for the reminder to never let anything hold us back.
I love your Live Boldly motto! Congratulations for walking through your fears.
Nice very inspiring post and motivational also. keep writing.