I love to try new things.  If I don’t, I’m afraid I may not know if I like something or not.

BUT:

There are two things I really struggle with. 

I can’t cook with yeast, and I can never seem to start a leaf blower (this weekend I tried 3 different ones).

I got more frustrated with each pump, choke, pull and nothing happened; I left the first leaf blower and went to another one. Pump, choke, pull-nothing. Then I tried the electric model and the battery was past its prime-nothing.

So, as I was sweeping the grass clippings, (by the way, far more meditative) I got to thinking about why I can’t seem to start a leaf blower (today wasn’t the first time) and likened it to cooking with yeast. Nothing seems to rise like I think it should, and I get so frustrated.

I think part of me is impatient with the process. There seems to be more than the 2 steps I want to take and I get frustrated with the ingredients having to be just right. The other part of me feels like it should be so easy- I follow the directions and it should work.  

I’m sure by now you may think the warm weather has gotten to me!

But alas, I think there is a point to this.

I went to dinner last evening and a gentleman asked what I did for a living.  He (as most do) said “I’ve always wanted to try Pilates, but I’m afraid I can’t do it.”  I wanted to say “I GET IT, I CAN’T COOK WITH YEAST AND CAN’T START A LEAF BLOWER!” But, I didn’t.  I told him he just needs to start with a few pilates movements, then, as he gets comfortable, add more.  I suggested he be patient with himself as pilates is hard, but so beneficial for your whole body, and you feel so good and strong when you're finished.  

Starting new things is hard and often frustrating as we want to get it right the first time. But, new things take time, courage, patience, and persistence.

The next time I need to use a leaf blower, I will try to be more patient, learn from Youtube, or just use a broom. On the other hand cooking with yeast is something I decided I didn’t ever need to do again.  

If we don’t try something we may not know if we like it.