Free Midlife Meditations

Episode 212: From Fear to Action: Embracing New Beginnings

beginner mind courage reinvention Dec 25, 2024
Polaroid Style photo of Yvonne Marchese shrugging and looking up on top of a turquoise background with daisies and the title, From Fear to Action: Embracing New Beginnings... What's Holding You Back? Episode 212

What’s stopping you from trying something new?

 

 

Maybe it’s fear of failure, self-doubt, or that nagging thought that you’re “too old” to start fresh. If any of this resonates with you, I get it—I’ve been there. Not that long ago, I was stuck in a place of uncertainty and hesitation, feeling overwhelmed by the idea of trying something completely outside my comfort zone. Then, one day, I decided to take a leap, and that’s how my podcast, Late Bloomer Living, was born.

As we wrap up the year and look forward to the next, I’m revisiting my story of launching this podcast in a special replay episode. I hope it serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to start something new. Here’s a sneak peek into what you’ll hear and some insights I’ve gained along the way.

 

The Power of Beginner’s Mind

When I first toyed with the idea of starting a podcast, I had zero experience with audio recording, editing, or interviewing. I didn’t even know where to begin! But instead of letting that stop me, I leaned into the idea of being a beginner.

Adopting a beginner’s mindset allowed me to:

  • Give myself permission to learn: I wasn’t supposed to know everything right away—and that was okay.
  • Embrace the awkwardness: Growth often feels uncomfortable, but it’s a sign that you’re stretching beyond your limits.
  • Celebrate small wins: Each tiny step forward, like recording my first episode or figuring out how to upload it, was a victory.

Lessons from Starting Something New

Launching the podcast taught me some valuable lessons that might help you, too, if you’re standing on the edge of a new venture:

  1. Fear is a normal part of the process. It’s not about eliminating fear; it’s about moving forward despite it.
  2. You don’t have to go it alone. Finding coaches, mentors, or even friends who believe in you can make a huge difference.
  3. Start messy. Perfection isn’t required to begin. Trust me, my early episodes weren’t perfect, but they were real, and that’s what mattered.
  4. Your experience is an asset. Even as a beginner in one area, the life skills and knowledge you’ve gained over the years can help you navigate new challenges. 

Why This Matters Now

As the calendar flips to a new year, there’s no better time to reflect on what’s been holding you back and take that first step forward. Starting something new doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul of your life. It can be as simple as picking up a hobby you’ve always wanted to try, taking a class, or exploring an idea that excites you.

The beauty of embracing a beginner’s mindset is that it shifts your focus from what you don’t know to what you can learn. It opens up possibilities and helps you see challenges as opportunities.


Take the First Step

So, what’s one small step you can take today? Write down your idea, make that phone call, or sign up for the thing you’ve been putting off. You’re not too old, and it’s not too late. You’ve got everything you need to start right now.

If you need a little extra inspiration, tune in to the replay episode of Late Bloomer Living. I share my honest, unfiltered journey of getting started and all the lessons I learned along the way. Who knows? Maybe it’s just the nudge you need to start something new and make 2025 your year of growth.

Here’s to embracing the awkward, celebrating the wins, and stepping boldly into the unknown. You’ve got this!

In Full Bloom: a guide to aging playfully 

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Whether for yourself or a loved one, this guidebook is a reminder that midlife is an opportunity for growth, adaptation, and celebration.

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