Have you tried something new and it didn’t go so well?

In November, I attended my first pottery class with a friend. She is a more experienced thrower and was able to focus on her bowl AND talk with the rest of the class simultaneously. Me? The wheel took every ounce of my attention and focus. Even though I was aware of each step and movement the instructor had told us, every chunk of clay turned out to be what we called a “toilet bowl”. Each turned out lop-sided and bottom-heavy, some even had a hole in the side. My friend’s pieces turned into works of art that she planned to give as Christmas gifts. When she asked me if I’d give my creation to my husband, I said no, but maybe for April Fools ‘ Day.

Why am I sharing this? Because we continue to laugh about it today. That pottery class was my first. I tried, concentrated, and did not make a work of art. But I had fun in the experience. Maybe I’ll try it again. The point is, I didn’t put pressure on myself before the class to have a perfect piece of pottery. This first attempt was not going to be my masterpiece.

The awkward phase is the fun part. It means you’re learning and growing! We weren’t born already knowing how to walk. Take the pressure off that you’ll be an expert right away and enjoy the process. Be kind to yourself.

What have you tried and were less than successful at?

Pictured: my best bowl from that class.