How do you handle “first day jitters” in your adult life?

August 27, 2025 | Sparkle Wednesday

It’s unofficially the last week of summer. Here in Minnesota, the State Fair is in full swing, and for most students, school starts right after Labor Day. It’s been a fun summer, but I can’t help reflecting on those first days of school.

As a kid, I was painfully shy, and the first day of school always brought a fair amount of anxiety and “first day jitters.” A new outfit and a special treat in my lunchbox helped a little, but not much. As I got older, I became more organized—sometimes maybe even over-prepared—just to ease those nerves.

Even now, I can still remember and even conjure the butterflies in my stomach. These days, whether it’s at work or before a musical performance, I still get those same jitters. The difference is that now I have ways to manage them: taking deep breaths, grounding myself with a little extra morning practice, and if that doesn’t cut it—blasting a favorite or guilty pleasure and singing along at the top of my lungs. Last week, before my gig it as Bye Bye American Pie.

What about you? How do you handle “first day jitters” in your adult life?