First, once you can drive manual you can drive anything.
Second, it's about coordination and once you get it it's like riding a bike.
Third, once you have the car moving it's easy and fun.
Fourth, you have more control over the vehicle, especially in winter and, to a certain point, you can even control how much fuel you spend and how much wear and tear your car receives(brakes and transmission specifically).
Fifth, the hard part is getting your feet coordinated to actually get the car to move from first gear.
Basically, you gently press down on the accelerator while gently letting go of the clutch. If your hand-brake isn't on and your coordination between your feet is right, the car will eventually start moving on it's own. Then it's just a matter of doing the same thing to change gears but it's MUCH easier when the car is moving. Just remember not to go straight from first to fifth gear in one shot. Go from 1 to 5(or 6 if you're lucky...) in order and change gear when you feel the engine is revving up to fast(if you have a rpm gauge it's easier to know at first when to change gears but eventually you never look at the thing. You just FEEL it).
Good luck.