Thumbs up for rock and roll!

Over the summer, I saw the cutest Youtube video. It's basically a kid saying that he believes in you and if you believe in yourself, you will know how to ride a bike.

I've spent a lot of time recently thinking about what the little boy in the video was saying. Believing in yourself can be a really hard thing to do, especially if you've already failed at whatever it is that you are trying to do. Trying new things can be pretty intimidating.

Right now I'm trying something new: cross country. I thought it was going to be the worst thing EVER, but it's actually pretty fun. Meets are stressful, but afterwards I always get this sense of accomplishment, especially if I've just gotten a good time.

There are definitely times that I wonder, "Why the heck am I doing this?" Well, it wasn't entirely my choice--my dad signed me up and told me later. I thought that I was going to die a slow, painful death. But I went running a lot over the summer, and when practice started I realized that it really wasn't that bad. Sure, it's tiring and it can get really hot sometimes, but in the end I have to admit that I'm in the best shape I've ever been in.

My only regret is that I didn't start cross country my freshman year. The truth is that before sophomore year, I was considering doing cross country. I just didn't think I would be able to--I didn't believe in myself. I was sure that I would be the slowest person and that I would be miserable.

The kid in the video starts off by saying "I feel happy of myself!" Well, after a good meet or even a good practice, I feel a bit "happy of myself." I'm happy that I did it. Happy I didn't give up. Happy I didn't quit, but instead gave cross country a chance.

Trying new things can end badly. But that doesn't always happen. It's better to try and have the possibility of failure, than to not do something and regret it. You just have to believe in yourself. If you think you're going to fail, chances are you will. Give something new a shot, and you might just surprise yourself by how fun or fulfilling it is.