Ever notice how we stop ourselves before we even start?

We say things like: “I have no rhythm—so no Zumba for me.” “I can’t carry a tune—karaoke? Hard pass.” “I have no balance—I’d fall over in yoga.” “My memory’s terrible—I could never do line dancing.” “I’ll butcher the accent—why bother trying to learn Italian?” (ahem… speaking from experience )

We put labels on ourselves before we even try. We let embarrassment rob us of joy. We decide in advance that we’re not good enough… so we never give ourselves the chance to grow, giggle, or surprise ourselves.

But here’s the truth: It’s not about being good, it’s about being alive.

When we were kids, we didn’t say “I’m not artistic” before coloring. We just grabbed the crayon and went for it. We danced. We sang off-key. We tried and failed and tried again, without apology.

So why do we stop ourselves as adults?

Fear of looking foolish. Fear of not being perfect. Fear of being judged by others and by ourselves.

But guess what? That judgment is not your truth.

Trying something new, especially when you’re not great at it, it is one of the most freeing, confidence building gifts you can give yourself.

Whether it’s Italian class (wish me luck!), line dancing with two left feet, or belting out Celine Dion in a crowded bar… it’s not about the outcome. It’s about letting yourself live fully.

You don’t need permission to try. You just need the courage to laugh your way through it.

This Summers challenge? Pick something new. Do it badly. Smile through it. That’s how we grow and how we sparkle.

Do It for the Giggles, Not the Gold Medal

You don’t have to be good. You don’t need approval. You just need to say yes to the experience.

Whether it’s salsa dancing, paddle boarding, painting or trying Golf that made you laugh,here’s the truth: You’re allowed to be a beginner. You’re allowed to look ridiculous. And you’re allowed to have FUN anyway.

Because sometimes, the goal isn’t mastery it’s memory-making. It’s belly laughs, messy moments, and letting your inner child twirl around without worrying who’s watching.

Reminder: Growth doesn’t always look like spreadsheets and strategies. Sometimes it looks like trying something new and leaving with sore abs from laughing.

So Dear Beautiful Soul,

Stop talking yourself out of it! Trying something new especially when it’s outside your wheelhouse, isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. It’s about joy, growth, laughter, and that delicious feeling of being fully alive.

Yep I’ve negative talked too , “ From pageant steps, to international speaking and synchronized dance steps(that I never quite mastered) but the bottom line I realized perfection did not matter So this month I Start Italian. God help me and anyone within earshot as long as I master where is the bathroom, I need coffee, and I am lost before heading to Italy for school, I’ll be ok

So, whether it’s karaoke, yoga, a foreign language, or dancing in your living room with zero coordination, this is your reminder to stop labeling yourself and start living.

Your life doesn’t need more pressure it needs more play. (it’s one of my ageless secret sauce ingredients) Give yourself permission to be a glorious, messy beginner. Try it. Laugh. Repeat.

Stay aMAEzing, Mae