Do you remember when you felt completely and utterly out of your element? Bonus - Do you have any strategies for embracing it?
October 16, 2024 | Sparkle Wednesday
Most of us feel out of our element at some time or another. Whether traveling and not speaking the language, trying a new activity, or something else, it's natural to feel in unfamiliar territory on occasion.
A few years ago, we were visiting my father-in-law at his cabin. At one point over the weekend, the neighbors (good friends of my FIL and partner) invited us to their gun range. I had absolutely no interest in shooting guns. In fact, up until that point, I had never even held a gun. But I didn't want to be rude, so I went along with the flow and went to the gun range.
I remember holding the gun in my hand. It was heavier than I imagined. Its whole purpose was to kill. I felt uncomfortable and sick to my stomach. My hands were sweaty, and I wanted this experience to be over. We were just shooting at a target, but I still felt sick. That's when I decided I didn't ever need to do that again. Once was more than enough. I don't think I handled it well. In hindsight, I wish I would have politely declined the invitation and read my book at the beach.
I felt completely and utterly out of my element. This was NOT my jam.
Do you remember when you felt completely and utterly out of your element? Bonus - Do you have any strategies for embracing it?
This used to happen to me, and then I embraced who I am. That may sound contrite, but it isn’t. We grow up in constructs; a wife should… a daughter in law should… a mom should… a spiritual person should… I’ve spent time deconstructing and getting to know my authentic self through journaling, therapy, processing, and practicing “no thank you.”