Why do we get so embarrassed when we’re learning a new sport or skill or craft? I call it beginner’s shame. 

PERSON: “Are these your paintings?”

US: “I mean, yes… but like, I’m JUST STARTING and I haven’t had any OFFICIAL TRAINING and this is just a HOBBY, and these paintings here aren’t my BEST ONES, you know, and uh…”

I notice it in the surf, girls who are learning, yet sit out on the shoulder and don’t go for waves when they roll in, simply because some old dude is going for it, too.

And in the girls’ head she has this running dialogue like “well… they’re probably a better surfer and i’m just going to fall off anyway so, you know, I’ll just wait for another one.”

I get it. We don’t really allow much space for people in this world who are just… average at something. ...