Nana Malone

Something New....

No, not the movie, although Simon Baker is very nice to look at. I’m talking about those New Year’s resolutions that we all make come January 1st. Did you keep yours?

Every year I promise myself that I’ll be open to new experiences and take on new challenges. Now while I often jump into new challenges with gusto, those challenges often fall within my known world. Job, writing, photography. Probably like some of you, I’m not going out of my way to really push past my comfort zone. And why would I? It’s called a comfort zone for a reason, because it feels like those worn in house slippers we all refuse to throw away.

Those of you who know me personally, know I love a schedule. I live and breathe by my to do lists and plotting maps. My poor husband who loves to try new things just because he’s curious, is always nudging be beyond my comfort zone and unfortunately I usually fight tooth and nail. Even a basic afternoon outing, I need to know where we’re going and who’s going to be there, so I can plan for every eventuality....and outfit. God knows you want to be wearing the right shoes for every adventure.

This past weekend, he challenged me to try something I’d never done before, sailing. And of course I bristled, because if it’s new, I don’t have an approved plan for it and all the possible things that could go wrong. As usual, he rolled his eyes and reminded me I couldn’t know I didn’t like it until I tried it. I hate when the man speaks truth. So last Saturday, we went sailing. Surprise, surprise, I had fun. A lot of fun.

What other fun have I been missing out on because I’ve over imbibed on that deadly cocktail of laziness and a need for control laced with a dollop of fear. I’m too stubborn to let a little cocktail like that get in my way of a rocking good time, so every month, twice a month, I’m going to try something new and not over plan everything to death. And so I stay honest, because God knows I love to be shamed into doing things, I’m going to post my latest adventures on the blog.

It’ll be great. I’ll finally try some things that have always looked like fun, but I’ve always brushed off. Now all I need to do is make a list of the things I’ve always wanted to try....

Wait a minute, did I just try and plan spontaneity?

Maybe I’m hopeless, but a girl really should make sure she has on the right shoes for every adventure.