Trying something new
Good morning, Lemon8 readers!
I've been away for a bit just dealing with life's ups and downs. Recently I went to a junk journal workshop. I was pretty nervous about going but i'm really glad that I did end up going. I feel like i'm going through a moment of change in my life right now. I'm trying to go out more and do stuff that is outside of my comfort zone. I want to make some friends too, and the only way to do that is to go out.
The workshop was really nice. It's at a new place called Dov & company. It's owned by two sisters and I got to meet one of them, Sofia. She was so nice and she led the class in a more down to earth manner. Which was nice for me because I was super nervous about being around people I didn't know. There were only four of us at the workshop and I felt like the odd one in the group, since the other 3 girls knew each other already. But it's ok. They were friendly, and we got to joke around and talk. I really need to talk more but I get so nervous around other girls. I guess I fear being judged.
While I didn't really end up making friends with them, I am going to take more classes at this place. So hopefully somewhere along the way, I meet more people and can at least make one friend.
- Elizabeth
#Dovandcompany
Attending the junk journal workshop was truly a meaningful experience for me, especially as I was navigating personal changes and wanting to connect with others. If you’re like me and tend to feel nervous about joining new groups or meeting strangers, I can assure you that small creative workshops can be a wonderful place to start. The intimate setting of only four participants helped ease the social anxiety, and having a friendly instructor like Sofia made the atmosphere warm and welcoming. If you ever find yourself hesitant about trying something new, I’d recommend choosing activities that involve creativity or hands-on work, such as crafting, journaling, or art classes. These activities give you a focus other than just socializing, which helps reduce pressure. Plus, shared interests naturally bring people together, making it easier to break the ice. I also discovered that places like Dov & Company, run by passionate owners (in this case, two sisters), often foster a genuine community vibe. Supporting local businesses by joining their classes not only benefits them but can also connect you to a network of like-minded individuals. Even if you don’t immediately make deep friendships, repeated attendance builds familiarity, making future social connections more likely. On a related note, I came across some lovely drawings by Sofia at Dov & Company, which reflect the creative spirit at the workshop. It reminded me how artistic expression can be both therapeutic and social, especially during times of change. If you’re feeling stuck or nervous about going out, try to remember that many people share similar fears of being judged or feeling like the odd one out. But that’s often only in our heads; most people are welcoming and just want to share a positive experience. Lastly, stepping outside your comfort zone, whether in social settings or creative pursuits, is a valuable step toward personal growth. It’s okay to feel apprehensive, but the rewards—new friendships, new skills, and boosted confidence—often make the effort worthwhile. I’m planning to continue taking more classes at Dov & Company and look forward to seeing where this new adventure leads.