Learn something new to learn about yourself

For the first time I was able to swim the crawl. It was still hard to keep up with proper breathing, but I managed to swim the pool. When I think about the fact that in three months I went from a point where I was extremely afraid of the water and had never tried swimming before to the point where I swam myself in the pool, I realize how scary it is to start.

Starting to do something completely new for yourself. The scariest thing in the world. And the most exciting.

It's not learning a third language, it's learning some skill you've never encountered before. I've never driven a car and I think I'd love to learn it as soon as I get the chance. I have no idea at all how the brain functions when driving. What my reaction will be to crazy drivers who cut you off at every turn or crazy pedestrians who cross the road in the wrong places. It's interesting for me to get to know myself from this side.

The scariest part for me is the first month of starting. When every time while developing that skill you realize that it's terribly difficult and not for you at all. For other people who already know how to do it. But not for you. Of course your brain is trying to trick you, to put you back into your known comfortable environment.

It's a trap. If you don't keep evolving, you're not going to learn a lot of things about yourself.

I, for example, have learned that I need a safety net at all times while I don't feel confident enough. And that's okay. It doesn't mean that I'm weak. It's just the way it works for me. It can be different for other people.