I’ll let you in on a little secret. My first novel will be coming out this year. More on the release date to come. It’s a daunting task. I thought writing, revising, and editing 96,000 words would be the hard part. Turns out, I was wrong. The hard part is the hundreds of details leading up to holding that book in my hand. It’s a bit paralyzing to tell you the truth. At one point last week, I said, in my head, “Quit being such a baby and take the next step.” I promptly went to TikTok and watched a bunch of puppy and baby videos to calm my nerves (What can I say? I’m a sucker for cute.). That’s when it hit me. I don’t need to quit acting like a baby. I need to start acting like a baby.
Babies take their first steps toward something or someone they want. They don’t turn away from the person cheering them on. They turn to them. If it’s not a person, it is their puppy or a toy or something yummy. They see a goal and that is what they focus their energy on—forward motion to the goal.
Babies know it’s scary and they do it anyway. Google “baby’s first step.” The babies in those videos all have the unguarded expression of both terror and glee. They don’t let the terror win. Before they even take that first step, they know deep inside it will bring them joy. Fear doesn’t win.
Babies understand the word “yet.” They don’t pop up one day and take that first step. They work up to it. They prepare. Some rock. Some crawl or scoot. Some pull themselves up. Some beg to be walked by their outstretched hands. Whatever it is, it’s not walking—yet. They don’t care. I can’t imagine a baby, who could walk, stopping at the crawl stage, thinking This crawling thing is taking too long to master so I guess this is it. They cling and climb and grasp for that next movement that will get them closer to walking.
Babies aren’t worried about looking foolish. The whole process is awkward. Sure, we think it’s adorable. The truth is that it is messy, uncoordinated, and embarrassing. How they look doing it does not stop them. They are oblivious to how foolish they appear. Uneven footfalls, wavering knees, arms cattywampus. None of that makes any difference. They have a goal and how they look doing it is immaterial.
Babies never walk a straight line at first. They take a step to the left and then two to the right. They dip more on one knee like they might spin in a circle. Yet, they get where they are going. The path doesn’t matter to them. You know that by all the giggling when they get there. I made it! You won’t see a baby looking back, saying I should have stayed on the path. What matters is that they arrived. Small detours are unimportant.
Babies accept falling as inevitable. They might look stunned or cry a bit, but it doesn’t stop them. Have you ever seen one who clearly thought OK that was hard. I think I’ll just sit here for the rest of my life. No, they get up and try again. Most fall again. They don’t give up.
Babies use what they have while they’re learning. Every parent who has had to remove all tablecloths knows this. Babies reach out for help. They use what they find. If a person isn’t nearby, they will use a table or their stroller. They will try to convince the dog to boost them up. They don’t wait for the perfect conditions. They aren’t embarrassed to ask for help.
Babies celebrate the moments, big and small, of success. Look at their faces. You can tell they are thinking Did you just see that? I took a step! That may be the hardest lesson to learn from babies. We should not be ashamed to celebrate our steps to success. It’s not arrogance, or pride. It’s joy. This is hard work. Celebrate every step.
So, join me in acting like a big baby.
- Take a step toward what you want.
- Even when it is scary, do it anyway.
- Embrace yet.
- Let go of the fear of appearing awkward or foolish.
- Accept the crooked line as the perfect path for you.
- Learn from falling down.
- Use what you have and reach out for support.
- Celebrate every moment—big and small—toward your goal.
I so needed this. It is exactly what I was journaling about earlier, but you put it in such a succinct way. And a simple four words can remind me. Act Like A Baby. Thanks.
Thank you! You made my day. Wishing you the best on whatever you are working on
When I first saw the headline, I read stop, instead of start – we see what we expect to see, I suppose. But once I realized where you were going with it I was delighted. Be sure your friends are all supporting you, and if you need help with anything, reach out 🙂
Thanks for reading my blog! I’m glad you liked it. I appreciate all the support you’ve given me.
Congrats
Thank you!
Hey Cat! Nicely written. So very cogent. We do, indeed, need to start acting like a baby, even in the face of a culture that celebrates mastery and winning, rather than trying and journeying. We adults, especially, are often shy, timid, and even embarrassed if whatever we are we are trying to do ends up not being perfect. How many times have we all picked up a guitar, tried a new sport, even started writing a novel, only to put it aside because we want it to be good with the first chord, the first shot, or the first chapter? Think what we could accomplish and what a world we could create, if we celebrated good tries, trial and error, the way we celebrate a baby’s first steps, words, and other manifestations of growth. I don’t know about you, but I am finding being older to be somewhat liberating, in this matter. I find myself more open to trying something for the first time and celebrating the effort, if not the product. It boils down, I guess, to being open to celebrating the journey as much (maybe more!) as reaching the end. So, bottom line, my friend, is I’m proud of you and excited that you have embarked upon this writing adventure! You go, girl! 👏👏👏👏👏📚
Wow! Thank you for this. I’m thrilled it touched you. You are so right- every word of it.💓
I love this newsletter! It’s brilliant how you turned “stop acting like a baby” into the opposite. Very creative, funny and inspiring!
I hope your self publishing goals are getting easier and closer!
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Thank you for reading my blog and for being one of those people I can reach out to!
I love this post! I’ve spent the last few years chasing my tail, knowing I was miserable with my day job and living situation. I’m happy to report I’ve just accepted a teaching job (which I haven’t done since grad school decades ago) and – here’s the best part – it’s clear across the country. I’m equal parts petrified and thrilled. Babies rock!
Congratulations!!! Way to live your dreams.