“Here, try this!!” We have all heard that numerous times in our lives. Sad thing is many of us are quick to decline the offer without consideration. But why? Why not try something different even if it’s outside of our comfort zone? Is it that we are complacent or that we want to “play it safe”? I’ve heard that the older we are, the less likely we are to try new things, mostly because of fear of getting hurt, physically, and emotionally. But trying new things is what keeps us young; it allows us to grow and to find new activities that may become our new favorite thing. So, why not try?!
My mom is a great example of someone who says, “why not?” In fact, she is an instigator who has forced me to try new things. Last year, she made me promise to take her ziplining. She turned 80 this year and would like to try it. I haven’t lived up to that promise yet, mostly because out of concern for her since she does have bad knees and moves slowly. I worry. Last week she had knee surgery, and through the pain of recovery reminded me that I promised her zip lining. Clearly, she wants to try it and, I’ll have to say, “why not?” and take her. I may even go with her; at the very least I can help her through the experience, which will make her happy. So, why not!
Mom has always been quick to want to try new things; that hasn’t slowed down even at her age. You may remember that for her 70th birthday, I took her to Istanbul and we visited Cappadocia, the hot air ballooning capital of the world. Not only did she insist on hot air ballooning, but she also insisted on the longer one, although she is afraid of heights. She started out in the middle of the balloon basket, as far from the edge as she could get, but as the ride continued, she insisted on moving to the edge of the basket even though the balloon reached heights of 2000 feet! She also wants to do “Ifly”, indoor sky diving. Good for her!
I admire Mom’s bravado and adventurous spirit. She teaches me daily that we can and should try new things, and I do, in my own way. A lot of my travel is based around trying something new, having different experiences, and meeting new people. Of course, I usually feel like an idiot and look like one when I try something new; Like the time I tried stand up paddle boarding or jet skied around Manhattan in very choppy water even though I can’t swim…well let’s just say it’s harder than it looks! I did wear a life vest, (I am not a complete idiot 😊), and it ended up being a great experience!
In my opinion, trying something new is how we grow and develop new interests. So why are we afraid? Why not take the risk? Next time someone invites you to try something new, try saying “sure, why not?” and see where it takes you. At the very least, you’ll have a story to tell!
“Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve.” – Mary Kay Ash
What new thing will you try this weekend? Let me know.
Have a great weekend.
-Vijay