Upside Down

Do you ever feel there are times in your life that you're upside down and want to get right side up? Confused or lost when trying something new? That feeling of being overwhelmed, and fearful that someone or something has put you on your head.

Well, I felt all of this a few months back, and honestly every time I wanted to start a website. A website is completely out of my comfort zone. Let's just say, the people that know me completely knew that I didn't do this website on my own. I had tremendous help along the way, and that help has a name, Jenny. I'm forever grateful to her for the help and support, along with family and friends. Generally, I like to learn and try new things, but most of that comes with a comfort of knowing it's an interest I have or have some knowledge in. Something that I have researched, read about, watched videos, or intermingles with my other life interests.

A website is not in my wheelhouse. It brings me anxiety, fear, what ifs, how will I, should I... self-doubt. No confidence of standing upright, more like standing on my head, upside down. So, how did I finally jump in and get this done? Besides a lot of positive self-talking and support from others, I have 10 steps that I used to help myself with being uncomfortable. I hope some of them resonate with you and will help you to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.

1. Own it. Be honest with yourself, make a list of why you are uncomfortable and talk it out with yourself (or someone else). Again, be honest and open to the why.
   

2. Why? What is driving you to the why? So much so that you are willing to get uncomfortable. There needs to be a driving force - that is the why.

3. Visualize - visualizing can guide you to achieve. Don't just do it once, do it multiple times. Truly see yourself succeeding in what you want to do, down to every last detail. Think of it as a video on loop and with each time you watch and create, it becomes bigger, better, and takes you on a journey to complete success. Watch it over and over to perfection.

4. Positive Affirmations - make a list of positive affirmations geared towards you conquering the uncomfortable and getting comfortable. Here are some examples. First, look in the mirror and say to yourself: "I can do anything." "I can learn new things." "I will succeed." "I am capable." "I will achieve perfection." "I will embrace change." "I believe in myself." This may feel silly at first, but to see yourself, and talk with yourself in a positive way will reaffirm your commitment. It creates a way to externalize your inner dialogue to see it from a different perspective.

5. Ask for help - swallow your pride/ego and get help. It's amazing how many people want to help or contribute in some way to your success. Some may not be able to help directly but can guide you to someone else or have a suggestion for you. Plus, you never know unless you ask. By telling people, asking for help, and getting support, it holds you accountable. It's you giving yourself support first.

6. Support - get people around you that will bring you the positive environment that you need on this journey. Everyone needs a cheering squad!

7. Don't give up - give it some time, put effort in, and keep learning and growing. It might not be easy, and it really shouldn't be. As I learned in my yoga teacher training, "practice, practice, practice." There is no easy way.
   

8. Be kind to yourself - positive self-talk. All is good, give yourself grace.

9. Celebrate in Success - I don't care if it's the smallest of successes - celebrate. Give yourself a high-five, cheer for yourself, call a loved one and share. Do whatever feels good in that moment and acknowledge your accomplishments. If you have bumps in the road (and you will), ask yourself what you can learn from them. Once you learn and figure out the bump you hit, celebrate. Any amount of success should be cherished and celebrated.

10. Go back to the why - (that's #2) In simple terms, go for it! You will probably feel uncomfortable or like your upside down at times, be true to yourself and get right side up! Side note: I launched my website on April 7th and all I had posted for my blog was a picture and a title. I'll let you decide if writing a blog is uncomfortable for me. I might be upside down for a while with this blog. The date for this blog is truly May 2, 2024. ;) Just Breathe, Just Be Sandi