The Freedom of Trying New Things

A few years ago, I went on a mission to get out of my comfort zone and try new things. I kept a list each month so that by the end of the year, I could look back on everything new I had tried. I regret to say that I’ve since abandoned the routine of writing everything down, but thankfully have managed to keep the mindset.

Especially now, new adventures are limited and daily life can become monotonous. It’s easy to become lost in the repetition of each week, whether that includes school, work, extracurriculars, and family obligations. I’ve found myself, like many others, searching for something new to try.

In my experience, getting out of one’s comfort zone does not necessarily mean doing something extraordinary. Most of my “new things” are minuscule, but each one forces me out of my familiar routine.

Here are a few items from my own “new things” list from 2018:

- Learning to play chess

- Sending handwritten notes

- Cutting my own hair

- Eating peaches for the first time

- Reading at least 1 book each month

Keeping a list forced me to be mindful about my everyday choices, and seek out things that I had never experienced. New things make me happy, even if it’s as small as picking up a new fruit at the grocery store. Seeking unfamiliar experiences can lead to self-exploration and new beginnings, or at the very least add some pizzazz to a busy day.