Walk In Like You Own The Place....

Every time I look at this photo, I really have to laugh. This is my first day of fifth grade and I am pictured here with my friend, Katie, standing on the front step of  my parent's house - a "first day of school" tradition. We are a study in contrasts and yet we were the best of friends. 


Me: My perfectly smoothed and barretted hair, the rust colored wire framed glasses, the coordinating rust colored jumpsuit handmade with love by my mom, white patent leather shoes, a backpack over my shoulders filled with coordinating school supplies, and an extremely large lunchbox filled with a lunch....also homemade with love by my mom. 


My friend Katie: Short, natural curly hair which was a hint to her future passion for beauty trends, a funky t-shirt, corduroy pants, earth shoes, and all her school supplies stuffed into a black Hefty garbage bag. 


She is the epitome of cool and I am the epitome of... Geek...but we were friends...and we were nervous about our first day, but also so excited about the first day of school and all the opportunities in the year ahead of us.


I've had many first days....school, first days of being a wife, first days of being a mother, and, like today, first days of a new job. Yet no matter how many times you face a first day and no matter how excited you might be about what it represents, you might also feel a bit nervous or a bit apprehensive about this "first".  Last night, as I was preparing myself for my first day at a new job, I received an email from my dad and it was just what I needed to face the day. 


Dad has given me so much advice over the years and he has always been consistent in his themes - checking your car oil frequently in order to protect your engine was always a favorite message. Don't take any wooden nickles. Always remember to "hang in there".  And another, which he reminded me of last night, was relating to my nervous feelings about this new endeavor. He told me "Just smile and walk in like you own the place."  Volumes of self help and professional/personal development books have been written about what Dad summed up in just these few words. Basically, if you can at least portray an image of confidence, you may believe it yourself and as a result, others might believe it allowing you time to earn the right to hold such confidence. It was exactly what I needed to hear to give me the confidence as I approached my first day.


So, how was my first day of work at my new job?? Fabulous! The people were warm and welcoming, the office environment is casual and quiet, the work will be challenging and full of opportunity. I am thrilled about this first day and looking forward to the second day, the third day, etc. 


So are you faced with any "firsts" coming up that are making you nervous? The best advice I can share with you is just "Smile and walk in like you own the place".


ps: The following picture is me today on my first day of work. Some things haven't changed - I'm still color coordinated, wearing patent leather shoes, and carrying a bag with a few coordinating office supplies. But a few things have changed. I've celebrated and struggled through many first days. I've added a few (well-earned) wrinkles around my eyes. And my glasses are now plastic framed "cheaters". But essentially, I'm still the girl going off to fifth grade with lots of nerves but much more excitement about what lies ahead.