Thank you to P&G’s Have You Tried This Yet? program and Kroger for sponsoring my writing about trying new things and breaking out of my everyday routine. Click here to find great savings on high-performing P&G products at a Kroger store near you. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.
Over the weekend, I took a look at my 101 in 1001 page – a list of 101 things I wanted to do in 1001 days. What struck me was how experience-rich it was. The list is full of things that I would never have tried… or been able to try… at 455 pounds. The days of standing on the sidelines watching life while others are EXPERIENCING life had to end.
This quest for experiences and adventure kicked into high gear after I got under 400 pounds. While I know very few people know what it's like to be THAT big (thankfully), I do know that many people carry around some milestone that holds them back. It could be losing the baby weight, or fitting into your favorite pair of jeans. It creates a case of the “when I's…” When I lose 25 pounds I'll take that vacation. When I find a significant other I'll start going out socially more.
The question therein lies: What are you missing out on because you're waiting for the “when I's?”
For me, my jet skiing experience in Key West was the epitome of WHY I want to try new things. For 1.5 hours, I sat on a jet ski that I drove around the entire island. I smelled salt water. I felt it sting my eyes. I saw dolphins. Had my body warmed by the bright sun reflecting on the ocean. I laughed at my husband nearly getting left behind because he was so slow on his jet ski. (Don't worry, I didn't laugh until AFTER the guide made it back from his search for my hubs. He just puttered along at half speed while the rest of the group waited.) I actively participated in making a new experience for myself that I will never forget.
The experience doesn't need to be some beach adventure or something that costs a lot of money. I recall the memories of my first 5K and second 5K just as vividly. And I know I will hold on to my first half-marathon experience when I complete it on April 3rd. I can't encourage you enough to be an active participant in your own life.
