It’s funny how life has a way of reminding us that growth rarely happens all at once. Most of the time, it happens quietly, and if we are not paying attention, we almost miss it.

In my Intro to Communications class, we have been studying relationships and how, if we don’t nurture them or put effort into them, the “spark” can grow dim… sometimes even go out. As I worked on assignments for that class, I found myself thinking about our relationship with ourselves. If we don’t put effort into caring for who we are, our own spark can slowly fade too.

One idea we studied was how doing new things with a partner can cultivate fresh feelings of excitement and connection. Sometimes those “new things” are simple — asking each other thoughtful questions, trying a new restaurant, hiking a different trail, or playing interactive games together.

It made me realize how easy it is, as time moves on, to settle into a rhythm. The daily chores, caring for children, preparing meals… the steady responsibilities of life. Slowly, day after day, routine takes over. At one point, I noticed my own inner spark had grown dim. I wasn’t feeling excited about the future anymore. I wasn’t even thinking much about it. Life had quietly become just one day at a time.

As you may have noticed if you have read this blog for a while, I have been learning how to cultivate my spirit again — how to breathe new life into my soul. I started doing new things, exploring ideas I had set aside, and allowing myself time to grow personally.

Trying something new can feel a lot like standing at the edge of a cliff. The views are inviting… but the fear of the fall is there too.

There’s been times the height, or the hike is too much, it felt safer to sit still. But there are times when I was brave and just started the hike – and once I did, I found the destination was worth the effort and the attempt. It was exciting! It reminds me that sometimes fear is simply the doorway to growth.

Comfort has its place. Routine can steady us. But sometimes we wake up and realize we’ve been standing in the same place for a little too long.

Trying something new does not have to be bold or dramatic like sitting at the edge of a cliff. It can be simple. Quiet. Personal.

For me, it has looked like learning a new skill with my hands, cooking a meal completely from scratch, taking a challenging class, or starting a project I had been quietly wanting to try for years. These small steps have a way of reigniting that spark and breathing fresh air back into the soul.

I remember wanting to try something new but convincing myself I wouldn’t be good at it. I put it off for months… even years. I didn’t want to feel like a failure. I have never liked feeling weak. But when I finally gathered the courage to begin, I realized something important — being new at something is not weakness. It is an opportunity to grow without expectation. I wanted to learn to sew a blanket, I learned a lot and had a lot of fun! It isn’t perfect but it makes me smile every time I cuddle under it.

Often, the only expectations we feel are the pressures we place on ourselves.

Learning to let go of that pressure has been freeing. Allowing myself to be a beginner again has helped me become more humble, more patient, and more curious. I wanted to learn how to snowboard in my early 40’s… I found out I didn’t like snowboarding but I LOVED skiing.

Going back to school at 47 reminded me that I am still capable of learning… still capable of changing… still capable of becoming more than I was yesterday.

So my challenge to you is this:

Take time to cultivate your own spirit. Breathe life back into your own soul.

Think of one thing you would like to try. Nothing complicated. Nothing overwhelming.

Write it down today.

Then take one small step toward it. Study it. Ask questions. Gather what you need.

Begin before you feel ready.

Give yourself permission to start… and permission to learn.

Sometimes the spark we are looking for is waiting just on the other side of that first small leap.

I’m holding myself accountable too! I want to ride dirt bikes, I want to get better. I researched and found my bike…Now we practice!