On New Year's Day, while waiting for 2013 to arrive, I watched the movie "We Bought A Zoo" with my daughter and husband. The movie is an inspiring story about Benjamin Mee. Benjamin has lost his wife. In a bid to start his life over, he purchases a large house that has a zoo. This is welcome news for his daughter, but his son is not happy about it. The zoo is need of renovation and Benjamin sets about the work with the head keeper, Kelly, and the rest of the zoo staff. But, the zoo soon runs into financial trouble. The staff must get the zoo back to its former glory, pass a zoo inspection, and get it back open to the public. In a scene with Benjamin and his son, where his son is having trouble talking to a girl, Benjamin says "You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it."
That quote hit home. I loved it the first time I heard it. The first time I watched the movie, but this time...well this time it was just what I needed to hear.
I had been thinking of starting a group fitness class for moms and their children for a couple of years. I wanted it to be different. I wanted it to be inclusive. I wanted it to be challenging and fun. I had tried out a few different programs over the years and had finally found one that fit me and what I wanted the moms I trained to gain from such a class. But I was dragging my feet on putting the class into motion.
I knew there was a need for such a class, but, well, its scary putting yourself out there. Would anyone come? Would they like the class? Would it be successful? Am I capable of this?
My current clients, who knew of my desire to get this off the ground, were incredibly supportive. They lifted my spirits and encouraged me that if I put it out there, they would come. My husband was equally supportive and reassuring. But I was still unsure.
That night, New Year's Eve, I had everything put together to launch my first Mommy Recess class. I just needed to take that first step and put the announcement out there. As soon as I heard that quote, "You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it." I turned to my husband and said, "That's it! That's my mantra for 2013! 20 seconds of courage...and something great will come of it!"
I launched my Mommy Recess class announcement the next day. Repeating "20 seconds of courage." over and over again as I put it out there.
Tomorrow is my first class. I've received a lot of positive feedback already and excitement over the availability of the class. (Thank you Jennifer and Katie for signing up in advance! I can't wait to see you there!) I'm still nervous and wonder if I'll be standing there, alone, waitting for participants who don't show. But I'm putting it out there. I'm trusting in my skill, feedback and trial runs, that this will be successful. But in the end, I need to take a leap of faith.
The quotes are endless...."With much risk, comes much reward." "If you don't try, you won't succeed." "20 seconds of courage...and something great will happen." So that's what I'm doing. Putting it out there. Taking that 20 seconds of courage and hoping that it will indeed lead to great things. I guess I'll find out tomorrow.
Till then, I challenge you....What 20 seconds of courage will you take this year to make great things happen?
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On Jan 06, 2013