The other day I was driving home and decided to take a different route then I normally do. I found myself driving through one of the most beautiful neighborhoods I have ever seen. The lawns were manicured to perfection. The houses had exquisite design detail and some even had a gate and intercom system (well la-de-da!). I found a great looking park with a playground my kids would love. There were trail heads leading into interesting looking woods and a fantastic looking golf course which I looked forward to playing on. My decision to take an alternative route, to try something different, had resulted in a new awareness of what was available to me. Something that may not have been revealed to me otherwise.

Often we find ourselves staying on the beaten path because it is something we know. We find comfort in the familiar. Sometimes at the expense of enjoying new experiences….and places. When we stay too close to what we know, we never know any more. Luckily, I learned to be a curious person from my mother and have grown immensely as a person because of it. Trying new sports, activities, and even foods, have expanded my horizons and added countless dimensions to my life. Losing the fear of the new and unexplored has opened so many doors and opportunities that I shudder at the thought of how my life would have turned out had I not done so.

My suggestion to those reading this is to expand your horizons and move out of your comfort zone from time to time. You didn’t know you liked pizza until you tied it. What else is out there that could be an all consuming passion in your life if you just make the decision to explore? Is it learning how to play a musical instrument? Is it taking that improve class? Maybe just signing up for that running group that meets 3 times a week. Who knows the experiences, changes, and people that it may bring into your life. You may be missing all sorts of incredible experiences. In fact, my 88 year old mother just recently discovered the joys of naked sky diving and loves it. I’m kidding…….she’s only 86.