DARE TO BE BOLD: EXPERIENCE SOMETHING NEW

DARE TO BE BOLD: EXPERIENCE SOMETHING NEW

Imagine yourself stepping outside of your comfort zone… Embarking on a new experience, you are eager to explore, grow, and feel all the joy of conquering something new! But, there it is, that flush of fear, the annoyance of anxious thoughts, and the stomachache of stress. Fear is creeping in and halting your growth. Fear isn’t always a bad thing. A healthy dose is what keeps us physically, mentally, and emotionally safe. Fear of the unknown is a primal part of being human. But, when fear holds you back from personal growth it causes undo stress. This is when it is important to step into your power and be bold!

Benefits of Being Bold

Being bold empowers you. Neuroscientific studies show that unstructured, imaginative play (which often includes bold or creative decisions) stimulates the prefrontal cortex—the brain region associated with decision-making, planning, and self-regulation. You feel more confident, resilient, and develop your critical thinking skills. With anything good in life it requires a lot of effort and courage. Identifying your anxieties, acknowledging your strengths, and taking things moment by moment helps build that courageous spirit! 

Let Fear be a Motivator not a Hinderance

It’s okay to voice the fear of being bullied or ridiculed for daring to be bold. A study from the Department of Psychology, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia , found in primary school students the only fear that increases with age is public speaking. Luckily, through mainstages’ programming we address this fear through interactive and activity based curriculum that is both relevant and responsive to our participants interests and needs. There is power in being vulnerable while still pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Trust that you are expanding your world, developing new skills, perspectives, and opportunities. This may mean struggling and failing. Negative experiences tend to be remembered more than happier ones. But it’s up to us on how we frame these memories. Allow yourself grace while daring to fail gloriously! Celebrate putting yourself out there, putting in the effort, and learning a bit more about yourself and the world around you.

Being Bold Builds Self-Esteem

By age 5 children have a sense of self-esteem comparable in strength to that of adults, according to a study by University of Washington researchers . Those rush of nerves and excitement can improve your mood and motivation which can increase your self-worth. These feelings allow you to be present and aware of the world around you. You focus your energy and stimulate your mind. It can spark new and creative ways of thinking. Suddenly some of life’s obstacles no longer feel as monumental. It also affords you the opportunity to connect to people! Your positive and open attitude invites new perspectives, fosters friendships, and protects you from isolation and loneliness.

Being bold builds character. Conquering the fear of the unknown adds valuable life lessons and stories. We all love hearing stories of adventures with bold and courageous characters because they are exciting and fun. Who says that couldn’t be you? So dare to be courageous, dare to be vulnerable, and dare to be bold by trying something new!

How bold actions will be seen throughout the year!

• Stories of being bold, courageous, and conquering fears from across the world will be shared with our communities.
• Larger than life characters will be celebrated for their unique perspectives encouraging children to embrace their own.
• We encourage a safe space to take risks; whether it’s learning how to set boundaries, embracing conflict, or learning to public speak. Everything we do is designed to take risks and be bold!