When it first happened I didnt know what to do or how to deal with it.  It was new and strange, unfamiliar ground.  I was anxious, a little nervous.  I felt overwhelmed, confused, in over my head.  I didnt quite get it, I didnt have the experience necessary to understand.

I gave it my best shot because if I am to grow I must expand through the growing pains.  I know that I am born without knowledge or skill and must tenaciously struggle if I am to achieve.  I know this means going in with a little knowledge and lot of courage.  This means walking into the dark with a balance of strength and malleability.

I did it!  I finally figured it out, slowly but surely.  Step by excruciating step I somehow made it through that first time.  I didnt really know if I could, but now I know I can.  The second and third time were still difficult but markedly less so.  Just because I have done it a few times does not mean the struggle is over, it has just begun.  The struggle over newness is finished but the struggle of mastery is ahead.

Now I am comfortable with it.  Sometimes I dont even need to think about it because it has become a part of me.  Now I am pushing the boundaries, I am pushing myself to higher and higher levels.  Now I can also back off and enjoy the experience.  Through this process I have earned this level of interaction and I have earned this enjoyment.

Most of the time in my life I spend doing it I will have long forgotten the newness and I will be moving towards proficiency.  But at one point it was unknown and new, now I am glad I struggled through the beginning, it was so worth it. 

Does it really matter what “it” is?  I always try to remind myself that new but difficult experiences are only difficult because they are new, and once the experience is gained it becomes easier and manageable, then eventually, enjoyable and worthwhile.  If you have not felt and overcome the Newness recently, make it happen.