trying something new is rarely easy, and isn’t necessarily rewarding either. i once tried snowboarding … never again.

i grew up uninvolved in school sports. instead my parents committed to driving me back and forth over the narrows bridge for dance lessons throughout the week – ballet, jazz, tap, pointe, company rehearsals – and while it was good for rhythm, bodily awareness and expression (now handy for bachelorette parties and weddings), it didn’t develop within me a competitive desire nor an understanding of the functioning of a team. but i always liked the idea of many ‘body parts’ making up one complete ‘body’, and sharing a common goal that required the hard work of teamwork to get there.

i played indoor soccer for the first time in my life two weeks ago. i mention this because activities similar to this one have made my ‘in ten years, i will …’ list. in other words, it’s a big deal. a triumph. i do not take trying new things lightly, because i know it will feel funny, and i probably won’t be good at it and others will be able to tell, and i don’t have the gear or the skill set or the confidence.

but it wasn’t so bad! i was no world cup champion, but i was challenged in a new way and got some good exercise. no one yelled at or trampled me. no one booed me off the field. i didn’t cry or suffer any injuries. i left feeling good about being that one body part, having branched out, far from my comfort zone.

what new thing will you try next? for me: skydiving.