Challenges contribute to mental health

My “Bucket List” included being a bartender. So, I enrolled in a Bartending Academy. It was a grueling, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., ten day class. I surprisingly passed both the written and speed tests and was awarded a certificate. Whew!

You might ask what this has to do with mental health. It has to do with challenging our brains, our comfort zones, our stereotypes, our self-imposed limitations, and renewing faith in ourselves. Learning the basics of bartending was probably the most positive “mental health activity” I have done in years.

My brain was challenged; I was expected to know the required glass, the brand name of seventy+ liquors, ounces needed, methods of mixing, required garnishes, plus the code words to help remember over one hundred and fifty drinks. I also had to be able to make fourteen drinks, called at random, in eight minutes. It was humbling.

Since I seldom back down on a challenge, I went forward and for hours every day I studied, I stood behind that make-believe bar, and I made hundreds of drinks.

Every part of my being was challenged, and when it was done I felt fabulous. I felt like I had conquered my inhibitions and reinforced what I believe to be true; all things are possible to those who believe and work hard.

For two weeks I had no time to think about my aching body, my tired brain, the political woes, my messy desk, whether I was sad or mad, or if the housing market was going to recover. I fell into bed exhausted and woke up with renewed energy because I knew what I had to do. I would not fail myself.

When you are tired, or bored, or worried, or too stressed to sleep, challenge yourself to something new. Make your bucket list and step outside your comfort zone. Don’t just talk about it, do it. Don’t just dream, make plans. Don’t just complain, make changes. Don’t blame someone else, maximize opportunities. Don’t be concerned about what others might think. Challenge and grow yourself to mental wellness.

No matter our limitations or our strengths, challenging ourselves to stretch beyond what we know today or who we are today could be my all-time best mental health tip.

And, no, I am not a bartender, but I have renewed respect for those who are.

Until the next time: Live while you live