The summer of yes- even though it's already autumn...

Part of the summer of yes was supposed to be trying new things, taking as many opportunities as were presented to us.
Something that I'm told a lot as a carer is that I need something that's just for me. You know, a hobby or an activity that I do that's just for me. Quite how this works long term, considering the whole 'caring responsibilities' thing, I'm not sure.

But I decided to take this advice. At the end of August, I was given a voucher for aerial classes, as it was something I'd always loved the idea of trying.
I had my first lesson on Monday, and, well. For starters, walking into a class like that, when you're anxious and on your own, is a lot. Like, a LOT. I'm a fairly anxious person anyway, and new situations stress me out. My heart starts pounding, I start sweating. It's not a pretty sight.
But I walked in there anyway.
The lesson I went to- and will continue to go to, for the next five weeks- is held in a large hall. Suspended from the ceiling were aerial silks, a giant rope for Spanish web, trapezes, aerial hoops and straps. If I'm honest, they looked more like torture devices than something to have fun with.
I wasn't the only person there- I think there were about twelve of us- but I was definitely the most unexperienced. Whilst there, I learnt how to create a foot lock with the aerial silks, and how to hold a pose they call 'swan'. I learnt how to haul myself up onto the trapeze, and hang upside down without falling. I learnt how to turn myself in circles using only two straps suspended from the ceiling. My abs didn't thank me for learning that one, let me tell you.
I was surprised to realise, at the end of the session, that despite my fear, I'd had a lot of fun. So much so, that I'm actually kind of looking forward to the next session.

My next lesson is this coming Monday. I'm looking forward to it, although I'm not relishing the aching muscles that followed the day after. I'm not sure I'll keep going to these specific classes, or even aerial circus, after this voucher runs out. But I'm glad for the opportunity to try it, to give it a go and have some fun with it. That's what the summer of yes was supposed to be about, after all...