I DO NOT NEED TO BE READY, I ONLY NEED TO BE PRESENT.

At first, I wasn’t sure what this would become. I often find it difficult to integrate myself into various situations or groups, no matter how interested I am. But when I finally found myself present in a situation I thought I had to be “prepared” for, I realised it wasn’t that hard after all.

I’ve missed opportunities before because I was too shy, too anxious, or too worried about whether I would fit in. Life lately has been teaching me that most of my worries live only in my head. If I just went ahead and did the thing, I probably would have made it through just fine.

Sometimes, you don’t need to feel completely ready to feel like you’ve participated or done something worthwhile. You just need to be present to listen, to observe. You’ll still gain from what’s happening around you, and maybe next time, curiosity will get the better of you, and you’ll say something. Taking the first step is the hardest part, but once you do, everything else flows and aligns.

So walk into those group meetups that interest you. Do that one thing you’ve been meaning to try. Explore something new. As long as you are present, everything will be okay.

And if you need a reminder, here it is: I do not need to be ready. I only need to be present.