Are you new to tea or do you always drink the same type?  If you answered yes, I challenge you to try something different.  You will be surprised how much fine tea is out there but not being fully enjoyed.  One day this week, order tea instead of coffee or try a new type of tea.  When you get to the coffee shop and you have the choice to order your normal drink or a cup of tea, order the tea.  Just do it (if not for you, do it for me).  Are you nervous to try something new?  If so, that is GREAT.  That is exactly how I want you to feel.

I always hated the feeling of being nervous.  The physical and emotional symptoms of nervousness are something I tried to avoid.  I would over-research and over-prepare for everything in an attempt to curb those bothersome feelings.  I also avoided trying new things because I was nervous about what people thought or what would happen if I failed.  A friend and mentor told me to try to take my negative connotation of nervousness and turn it in to a positive and that is exactly what I have done.  For the last couple of years, I have been living with the motto that “Nervousness is Good.  It is How You Grow.”  How boring would life be if you were never nervous.  When I get that nagging feeling of nerves, I no longer feel anxiety, I feel encouraged because I am actively working to enjoy my life.  I also try to understand what will happen if I succeed or fail.  If you never try then you will never know.  Many of your most rewarding moments in your life start with a little bit of nerves, so being nervous shouldn’t make you feel bad.   This applies to all aspects of life and let me tell you, it has made me more confident and peaceful.  I remember my daughter trying out for a competitive cheer team.  She was nearly in tears before the tryouts.  They weren’t the type of tryouts where you go into a quiet room, show a few people your skills and move on; these were tryouts in front a crowd of prospective girls while parents are watching from above in the gallery.   The first thing I told her was to identify what she was feeling is called nervousness.   Saying the name for the emotion really helps.   It helps children and it helps adults.  I told her I was proud of her for even trying out because if she didn’t, she would never know if she had the skills to make it and more often than not, the feeling of the unknown is far worse than the feeling of failure.  After she made the team, I circled back with her and told her that before she performed she was nervous, and because she tried something new she gets to experience the joy of success.  Without the feeling of nervousness, you won’t experience that amazing feeling of victory.  So, come on, be nervous and enjoy a cup of tea.

P.S.  I am really NERVOUS to start this new tea blog.  Writing it isn’t so bad.  It is clicking the Publish button that makes me nervous.  I am doing it now because I think having my own blog is a fun idea and it is great to turn a fun idea into something real.  I think it is time for some celebratory tea.  Good thing I got my first shipment of Steeped Tea today.  I am going to try one of the many new flavors I received.

Tea Review / Recommendation:  Starbucks serves Teavana teas which are very good teas.  My absolute favorite is Youthberry.  It is a fruity, white tea so if you don’t like fruity then this tea is not for you.  Make sure you order your tea with light ice.  They serve tea with boiling water which is too hot to enjoy for at least an hour.