Trying New Things: 3 Lessons Learned From Joining an Instagram Live

You never know what you can do until you try.

Graphic made by author with Canva.

Hi there!

New things terrify me.

Of all the things I’ve gotten better at handling with my bipolar disorder, anxiety isn’t one of them. In fact, anxiety is the one thing that seems to get worse from year to year.

I use routines a lot to keep my life on schedule, and that cuts down a lot on the anxiety, but there’s a problem with using routines. When you schedule everything and do things by rote, life can sometimes get a little dull.

We need new things in our lives—fresh experiences—to keep our minds and hearts full.

New experiences can shake things up a bit and add some fresh color to your life. This is the lesson I learned recently.

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“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

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A Night on Instagram Live

A few nights ago, I had the chance to take part in my first Instagram Live.

In the 7 days beforehand, I was terrified. My stomach would knot up and my hands would shake just at the thought of being online. But I really respect my friend Michelle and her blog, My Upside of Down. She works hard to promote positivity with bipolar, so I wanted to support her. I also gave her my word and rarely go back when I commit to something.

I put all of my effort into preparing myself mentally to be on her web show, and I’m so glad I did.

Here are three things I learned from trying something new.