2014 - the year of trying something new

At what stage in life did you stop trying new things? When did you decide that enough was enough and you were content with all you had?

Do you remember when you were a kid and everything was new? Foods, places, people. My parents introduced me to things that I had never experienced before and I got to discover whether I liked them or not.

Chocolate - yes. Marmite - no. Horse riding - yes. Roller skating - no. Reading - yes. Learning French - no.

Life was an adventure, it was exciting. When did that stop? When did I decide to stay in my  cosy little comfort zone?

Sure I try new things.  New York pizza topping - okay I'll give it a go. A different type of book in my book club - I'm up for that. Experimenting with crochet - go on then, let's go crazy! The thing is, they're all safe. All things I think I will like. I don't try anything that I'm not already sure about.

I play it safe.

That's okay. Safe is good. Safe feels, well safe. It's just a little boring at times.

I've been reading Yes Man by Danny Wallace which is frankly hilarious. It's about a guy who decides to say Yes more. To invitations and opportunities.

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'I, Danny Wallace, being of sound mind and body, do hereby write this manifesto for my life. I swear I will be more open to opportunity. I swear I will live my life taking every available chance. I will say Yes to every favour, request, suggestion and invitation. I WILL SWEAR TO SAY YES WHERE ONCE I WOULD SAY NO.'

Danny Wallace had been staying in. Far too much. Having been dumped by his girlfriend, he really wasn't doing the young, free and single thing very well. Instead he was avoiding people. Texting them instead of calling them. Calling them instead of meeting them. That is until one fateful date when a mystery man on a late-night bus told him to 'say yes more'. These three simple words changed Danny's life forever. Yes Man is the story of what happened when Danny decided to say YES to everything, in order to make his life more interesting. And boy, did it get more interesting.

I've been in hysterics, literally laughing out loud and giggle snorting, it's that funny. I'm half way through and I have to admit that I am starting to worry Danny is having a breakdown; but we shall see.

It's not just funny; but also incredibly inspiring. The idea of trying new things, being open to life. I feel inspired; but also a little nervous about the idea.

I've decided to do my own version, not exactly saying Yes more; but trying things I never normally would try. That might be foods, places, events. Who knows. I'm taking it week by week. Just think at the end of the year I could have tried fifty two new things. 52 New Things that might make me Live more, Love more and Laugh more! I will let you know how I get on.

Are you taking on any challenges for 2014? What do you wish you were saying Yes to more? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Image courtesy of Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.net