TWENTY YEARS FROM NOW YOU WILL BE MORE
DISAPPOINTED BY THE THINGS THAT YOU DIDN'T DO
THAN BY THE ONES THAT YOU DID DO.
SO THROW OFF THE BOWLINES.
SAIL AWAY FROM THE SAFE HARBOR.
CATCH THE TRADE WINDS IN YOUR SAILS.
EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER.
(Mark Twain)
Many years ago, my husband and I were returning from our first trip to Italy. We were standing on one of the airport lines when I spotted a woman farther ahead who looked vaguely familiar. I am almost certain it was author Frances Mayes. Why am I only "almost certain"? Because I did not approach her. I did not talk to her. I did not tell her how much I loved her book. Nothing. Why? Because I was - and still kinda am - a big chicken weenie.
As you can tell, the moment still haunts me. However, I absolutely learned from it. It was the memory of that day and the sour taste of regret, that later enabled me to suck it up and approach Stephen King in the bookstore. To this day, that is one of my favorite moments ever. I do sometimes wonder though if I would've gone up to him and gushed like a fangirl anyway or would I have skulked off, too afraid to approach one of my writing idols? (If you'd like to read more about that moment, check out The King of All Days Part I and Part II.)
So, to celebrate an upcoming big birthday I am trying something in the vein of saying "yes" rather than "no." (For anyone who guessed 30th birthday, I'd like to give you some chocolate. But, alas, no. It's my 40th.) My goal is to do at least 40 different things this year - different for me, anyway. It can be anything from trying a new restaurant or a new dish, going kayaking, trying a trapeze, taking a class in something new. It will also be about not doing something that's not so good for me. A "no" to one thing is a "yes" to something else. I'll do an occasional post recapping some of my "adventures."
What do you all think? Any suggestions? Has anyone tried something similar?
