going out of my elephant

I have never been one for change and trying new things. I was always a picky eater and hated every time we moved an I had to go to a new school (it happened a lot). I had the things I enjoyed doing and was scared to try new things and meet new people.

About 2 years ago something in me changed. I have no idea what it was, but I decided to mix things up. Maybe I was tired of being in a rut or tired of being scared. I have no idea.

It all started when I went out to lunch with my bestie. For as long as I can remember I wouldn't eat fish. I don't know if it was the smell or what, but I probably hadn't eaten it since I was a very little kid. I told my bestie I decided I was going to try new things and was going to start with food. I was going to stop being a picky eater and try everything at least once. Fish was a good start.

So, when she asked me what I was doing to order I said "I am going to go out of my elephant and order some tilapia!" She started to laugh. Yes my friends, I said elephant instead of element! And we both never forgot it!

I ordered the tilapia and loved it! From then on I was unstoppable. I tried everything that I thought I hated or used to hate. Brussel sprouts, love them! Mushrooms, still not my fave, but I will eat them now. Olives, love them on pizza and in salad! Chickpeas, can't get enough falafel and hummus! Bananas, still have issues eating them, but only some times and it's a texture thing. I used to not eat hamburgers or if I did they had to be well done. I cant get enough of them and I get them medium now. I could go on and on, but you get the point.

Every time I went out to eat with my bestie she asked if I was going to go out of my elephant today. We would both get a good laugh and it would remind me to try something new. Rarely was I disappointed.

After the food I decided to move onto trying other new things. I decided to get back into crocheting after not doing it for almost 10 years. I was worried I completely forgot how and to this day new patterns get me a little nervous, but I seemed to still have a handle on it and with each new pattern I get more confident.

I always hated writing in school because I wasn't very good at it. I would pass my classes, but I never got awesome remarks on my writing. So, when I found blogs and a bloggy friend suggested I start one I was scared out of my mind. Who the heck would read anything I wrote? Who would even understand anything I wrote? After thinking it over a bit I remembered my little challenge to myself and the thought going out of my elephant gave me the courage. I was so nervous, but I wrote my first blog post. Some days I still think, what the heck am I doing writing? But then I remember how amazing this community is. Meeting new people was something else I was scared of, but after laying my hopes, dreams, emotions and quirks out on my blog and people still read my posts, like me, support me and want to meet me. It's amazing and uplifting.

Now, I try new things all the time. I'm not scared anymore. I take risks and most of the time they turn out great.

All because I went out of my elephant.

When was a time that you went out of your elephant and it turned out to be a great thing?