When is the last time that you tried something new?

I find that what helps me in life is shaking things up a bit and trying something that’s out of my comfort zone.

When I tried my first mud run, I had no idea what I was getting involved in. Friends of mine had invited me to get into running, and I loved it. But when I found a 10K mud run taking place in my area to raise money for MS, I wanted to give it a try.

A friend of mine put me in contact with a group, and I showed up on the day of the race, having never met the other ten people on my team before.

I said hello to my team members, and we were off. Within the first mile, I saw an experience runner slip down a rocky hill and knock him out of the race. And then we crossed a small river with a pretty powerful current. We linked arms and helped pull each other across to the other side.

As a team, we finished the difficult course, and it never felt so good to take a shower afterward. I had mud everywhere.

If I hadn’t signed up for the race, I would have missed out on a fun experience that helped raise money for a great cause.

Every day we have opportunities to try something new.

The next time you see a kid in your neighborhood selling lemonade, stop, buy one from them, and give a tip.

Sign up for a poetry reading or open mic night.

Go volunteer at a local homeless shelter or another community-centered group.

Read a different type of book than you normally would or see a concert and bring a friend.

The list of activities that you can try is pretty much endless, and each one can teach you:

• How it’s important to have fun.

• How new experiences can teach you a lot about yourself.

As a kid, I didn’t have many opportunities to get out and do things. I had my friends, and that’s about it. I didn’t have the option to join the Boy Scouts, never learned to play an instrument, or be in a school play.

I hid within my shell because of how challenging my early life had been. I wanted to hide and be left alone.

I was afraid and didn’t want anyone to see me.

Writing became my outlet.

But as I became older, I started to open up and have new opportunities in college. I joined some groups, made friends, and had fun.

Now that I’m an adult, my time is limited. I expect the same might be true for you.

Sit down, write in a journal, and just list ten things that you always wanted to do. Find one within your budget and ability, and do it.

Why?

The day-to-day grind of our monotonous activities can trap us and give us a false sense of security.

Break out, think of something fun, and do it.

Even if you fail, it doesn’t matter.

Treat yourself to something new.

You might just find an activity that helps heal and center you.

Like what you’ve read? Be sure to check out my other posts in my Let Go and Be Free blog.