The Art of Trying Something New

On being a beginner, arriving solo, and making room for a more interesting life.

There is a particular pause that happens before we book something unfamiliar. We look at the invitation, imagine ourselves there, begin asking questions, wonder if a freind could tag along, etc.

"What would I wear? Would I know anyone? What if everyone else has done this before? Will I look foolish?"

Sometimes we close the page, deciding to come back when a friend can join us or better yet, when we feel a little more prepared to just, show up. Meanwhile, the desire remains: to get out, to meet people, and to have something on the calendar worth looking forward to.

An interesting life asks us to move through that pause occasionally. It asks us to choose an experience before we know exactly how we will fit into it.

The pleasure of being a beginner

As adults, we spend much of our time doing things we are expected to do well. We build careers, we manage households, we care for others, and we become the person people depend on. We just keep GIVING! It can feel surprisingly uncomfortable to enter a space where we need someone to show us where to stand or how to hold a racket, or better yet, say yes to ourselves.

There is pleasure in that, too.

A lesson gives us somewhere to place our attention. For a little while, there is a movement to learn, a question to ask, something to practice. We can laugh at a missed shot and try again. We can discover that an activity we admired from a distance is something we actually enjoy.

And we can decide that it isn’t for us. Curiosity leaves room for both outcomes. An afternoon can be worthwhile without becoming a lifelong hobby.

Arriving on your own

Going somewhere alone can make even a small plan feel like a considerable undertaking. Walking into a room, finding a place to sit, and introducing yourself requires a certain willingness to be seen before you feel settled. Unsettling isn't it? How dare you be so bold?

Shared activities offer a natural starting point. There is something to ask about, something to learn together, and often a moment of uncertainty that someone else is feeling too. Conversation can begin with a simple “Have you tried this before?”

Friendship still takes time. But it needs opportunities: a first conversation, another invitation, a familiar face at the next gathering. Arriving solo makes those beginnings possible.

Leisure deserves a place on the calendar

It is easy to leave enjoyment to whatever time remains after everything else is done. The trouble is that there is usually something else to do.

Making a plan gives leisure a place in the week. It asks us to consider what we would enjoy experiencing, beyond what is convenient or familiar. Perhaps that means an afternoon outdoors, a guided lesson, or a few hours spent with women whose lives look different from our own.

For the modern socialite, curiosity is part of the appeal. She takes an interest, asks questions, and allows her tastes to develop through experience. She can appreciate a beautiful setting while being perfectly willing to look a little awkward learning something new.

An invitation to begin

That spirit is at the heart of The Gilded Club: creating occasions for women to explore new interests and to enjoy one another’s company.

On November 14, we’ll gather at Horse & Hive for Pilates & Horses—a countryside experience bringing together movement, an introduction to horseback riding, and time to connect.

Mats are provided. Come with your boots/closed to shoes, bring a friend, or join us on your own.

If you’ve been looking for a reason to try something new, we’d love to welcome you.

Explore Pilates & Horses and reserve your place through The Gilded Club.