This weekend a fellow breastfeeding peer supporter and I have been giving talks about the early days of breastfeeding at the Baby show at Bluewater in Kent.
I have kind of got used to these sorts of presentations during my antenatal teacher training, but have never done something so “public” and my friend was a bit nervous about it too.
But we did it, and even if I say so myself, we were awesome 
No nervous shaky voices, no forgetting words or stumbling, it was fine. Really fine.
It is always scary doing or trying something new, and we all seem to cope with it in different ways. Some thrive on the adrenaline, seeking out new experiences all the time for that “hit”. Others of us are more reserved, preferring to stay in our comfort zones and do the things we know we can succeed in.
I guess growing up I mostly opted towards the second way, the “safe” options. I picked jobs where I could hide behind telephones (telesales – shudder) and hung out in places that were familiar, with people I knew. It wasn’t that I was shy or particularly unconfident, just that I was scared to move out of my comfort zone.
When I had Jake I remember realising that everything would be new now. Every time that I took Jake somewhere for the first time would not just be a new experience for him, but even if it was somewhere I had been before it would be new to me also. I would be experiencing it as a Mum, seeing things through his eyes. It was a real revelation. I relished every moment, from the seemingly mundane mum/baby groups, to holidays at Center Parcs and trips to the zoo.
I really do try to say yes to as much as possible now, to take on new experiences and try new things. It has lead to me making some amazing new friends, studying for something I have a real passion in, visiting awe inspiring new places and generally having lots and lots to be thankful for.
I remember reading a book about a man who said “Yes” to everything anyone asked him for a whole year – as well as ending up in some disasters, he also did some amazing things, and even met his wife-to-be.
I think having a family and a job probably means I can’t go as far as saying yes to EVERYTHING, plus I reckon my little brother would be constantly asking me to take him out for dinner BUT I do love the idea of it, and the older I get the more I find myself being able to say yes to things, and, 9 times out of 10, the outcome is positive.
As I said to someone today, I keep going on about how I want Jake to learn he has the whole world at his feet and can do and see anything and everything he wants to. But, if I don’t physically show him that it is possible how can I expect him to really believe it?
So, this week, do something new. Visit that country park you have been meaning too for months, go to a new restaurant, paint a portrait, I don’t mind as long as it is new. I hope it’s successful, let me know how it goes….I will do the same
