A Final Thought

How to open yourself up to new experiences

by ALEX GRACE, www.LivingPrettyHappy.com

This summer, I drove a jet ski with my 11-year-old son on the back. Now, did I want to go on that Jet Ski? No. Was I scared to drive that Jet Ski? Certainly! Did I also provide myself with countless reasons as to how it could go wrong? You better believe I did. But thankfully, I managed to let the part of me open to it overrule the part of me that wanted to run (not jet ski) away. In truth, it ended up being a brilliant experience. My son and I loved every minute of it, and I'm so pleased I gave it a go.

There are lots of benefits to opening yourself up to new experiences. The more we try, the more we develop. We can gain new skills, interests and even friends. Research has shown that trying new things can support brain health by boosting our cognitive function, improving our concentration, memory and problem-solving abilities. Plus, repeatedly being open sees reluctance take a backseat as our sense of adventure begins to grow.

Yes, new experiences can work out the other way, too - that's a fact of life. But even in the experiences that don't go so well, you at least have the opportunity to come to know yourself a little better. And this knowledge is just as priceless.

To help yourself become more open, here are some simple yet effective techniques you can use:

1. Challenge your 'no'

It's perfectly acceptable to say no. Especially if something puts you at risk mentally or physically, if it's something you're going to resent doing highly, or you just don't have the capacity for. However, if these aren't the reasons, challenge why you're saying no. For each self-imposed barrier you create, question the validity.

2. Be optimistic

We're naturally programmed to lean towards the negative, but what if we lean into the positive instead? Why not expect the experience to go well? Spend a moment listing all the potential positive outcomes. Visualise it going well and allow optimism to counter-balance any nerves.

3. Be kind to yourself

It's natural to be nervous. But, rather than criticise yourself for it - or let your inner critic monologue uncensored about how you're not capable - show yourself some kindness. Think of how you would speak to a friend who was apprehensive but wanting to give something a try. Extend that compassion to yourself.

4. Worry less about the judgement of others

It's a hard fact (but a fact nonetheless) that you'll never be able to control what others think of you. So rather than suppress yourself, you might as well live as you want and try what you want to try.

5. 'I'll handle it'

This mantra has helped me through so much. Advocated by author Susan Jeffers in her best-selling book, Feel the Fear & Do It Anyway, these three simple words join to make such a powerful statement. Saying, 'I'll handle it' empowers you to develop more trust and underlying confidence in your ability to handle whatever comes your way. I certainly repeated this statement a fair few times before I sat on that Jet Ski!

Ultimately, if the idea of a new experience feels right for you - even if it is scary - take a deep breath and give it a go. You never know where it will lead or how much happier it might make you.

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