Open your world by trying new things

Teen Perspective Series

Open your world by trying new things

By Elaina Fuzi

Almost everyone falls into some sort of routine, whether it is making your bed every morning, taking an afternoon walk, or taking a shower every night. Falling into a routine can make your day feel structured, which can provide a sense of security and well-being in your life. As good as comfort and safety are, there is more to life than that. Consider the excitement and adventure that can make you feel more alive than you could ever feel on a regular day-to-day basis. A way you can achieve this is by trying something new.

Taking a chance and exploring new things is not always easy. There is a reason why many people tend to shy away from it, and this is because it can seem scary. One of the most prominent things people are afraid of is the unknown, and that is what you are facing when you try something new. It can be intimidating and nerve-racking plunging into something where the outcome is unknown. However, as frightening as it may seem, trying new things has benefits. Having experienced it myself, I can certainly tell you that “just going for it,” like any risk you take in life, can many times have a massive reward.

For example, during a family trip to Maui, my mom and I learned how to surf. Throughout all our great, breathtaking experiences we had during that trip such as whale watching, zip-lining, snorkeling, and riding down a mountain on our bikes, one of the most memorable experiences was surfing. Prior to that moment, my mom and I had never experienced something remotely like it. That was what made it thrilling and terrifying at the same time.

Deciding that we were going to learn how to surf was sort of a spur of the moment, last minute thing that we signed up for at the end of our vacation. It had always seemed like something we had wanted to try, and there would be very few chances where this opportunity would present itself to us again. So, we took it. At first, I was totally excited and pumped up, but as the experience drew near, I found myself beginning to harbor some anxiety. Nevertheless, I still wanted to learn this skill.

So, we went to a place called Goofy Foot around nine in the morning on our last day in Maui. We, and about two other families, put on our rash guards (a long-sleeved athletic shirt made of spandex, nylon, or polyester made to protect the wearer from harmful UV rays, harsh waves, cuts and scrapes if they wipe out) and water shoes. From there, each family was assigned to a surfing instructor. My mom and I’s surfing instructor’s name was Joe. Joe then led us to the beach where he demonstrated the different positions on the board and how to transition between them, all the while we were safely on the sand. Once we got that down, we went to the water and tried to stand up on our boards on the still, shallow water near the edge of the beach. When we managed to do that, we went out to the designated surfing area of the water to surf a small, incoming wave one by one. That is when my anxiety spiked.

I remember sitting up-right on my surfboard next to Joe, who was on his own surfboard, while nervously waiting for the right wave. I remember the small knot in my stomach forming, worried that I was going to fall off and hurt myself, embarrass myself, or both. Despite that, when my wave came, exhilaration and joy surged through me, pushing away all my worry and doubt as I successfully surfed my first wave. My confidence swelled, and in that moment, gliding over the greenish blue Hawaiian water, I felt like I could do anything. I was inspired and quickly paddled back out for another try! Like most things, this experience had to come to an end and so did that incredible feeling of elation. Nothing lasts forever, but that does not mean I could not experience that wonderful feeling again. Trying new things can help open your world to amazing experiences and sensations, whether it is doing the same, newfound activity, or experiencing a brand-new adventure.

Of course, trying new things can offer other benefits as well such as simply helping to slow down time. For example, Dr. Santosh Kasair, a neurologist, and neuroscientist, has stated, “We gauge time by memorable events and fewer new things occur as we age to remember, making it seem like childhood lasted longer.” Our perception of time is what makes it seem “fast” and “slow”, and we, to some extent, can shape that perception. For instance, a day of doing something new and exciting will feel longer than a week of doing the same, repetitious thing. If we mark time by memorable events, the more of those events we experience will make our life seem longer, and a good way to obtain those events is by trying new things.

Another advantage is it opens new opportunities. The new experiences can expose you to new ideas, people, and passions. By going to a new coffee shop, you can discover a different drink you really like which, in turn, can introduce you to a different palate. Who knows? The person you are mountain biking with could be an influential business partner of the company you just started. Not only could it be someone that could impact your career, but it could also be a person you become best friends with or your next significant other! You could discover a new passion which can be a great conversation starter which may attract others with a similar passion as well.

Trying new things also forces you to grow as a person. Whether it is embracing a new mindset, attitude, behavior, or action, you must first do something new to grow. The challenges in the interactions of new situations often compels you to change in beneficial ways. If we keep doing the same thing, we cannot ever grow from what has already been done. Sure, you can keep doing the same thing to get better at what you are doing, but even then, you are forced to make small changes to improve. What happens when you master the talent or job you were working on? Do you stop, or do you try something new to further yourself in your skill or as a person?

There are many other benefits trying new things can provide, and I have only highlighted a few. In the end, do not let fear or anything else stop you from exploring different interests and opportunities. Do not be a person that is burdened with an abundance of regrets. Louis. E. Boone has said, “Don’t fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have.” Time is the enemy of us all, but it is what gives life meaning. If you had an eternity to live, you would not make as much of an effort to make your life mean anything. However, that is not the case. Life is limited, and it is short. Fill it with experiences and people that make life worth it.

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