We are up relatively early on a Saturday morning (7:00 AM) and started our winter break routine. I made coffee, my wife made up a little bit of breakfast, and we went into our sunroom. My daughter got my wife a puzzle for Christmas with no “guiding picture”. It’s just 1,000 pieces and her will to figure it out. She’s about 3/4 the way through the puzzle, and each day there’s been cursing about my daughter, which makes me giggle.

#notapuzzler

The coffee mug that she’s drinking out of is a Christmas mug with three boxes to check off: Naughty, Nice, I Tried – with the third one checked in bright red. It’s a cute mug that makes us both smile each year when it becomes part of the collection for December.

I’ve been wanting to write, but the topics have been muddy for me. Yesterday, I got no views so I’m resetting my streak, which was mildly disappointing, but that’s the state of my writing lately. However, when refilled her mug and brought it back to her (hearing her cursing this puzzle again), it just struck me, I tried.

#ummmwhat

How many things HAVEN’T we tried and missed out on a really cool experience? Last night, our little pub had live music. My wife was “we are going” but I had reservations. I’m not a “lots of people in a small space” kind of guy which is exactly what we’d be walking into. He was advertised as a “guitarist/harmonica-wailer”, but I had my doubts. However, when we got there, yes, there were a ton of people (one of the owners said this was the most that had ever been in their pub) and yes, dude was as advertised, but yet, we had a blast. We talked to a bunch of people, I counted at least 10 former students/parents of students in attendance, a former student bought us beer, and the music was surprisingly good (anyone who does Johnny Cash and an original called “Woodpiles on My Mind” is ok in my book).

All because we tried.

I’d have missed out on a great night because of my own insecurities.

I’m a guy of routine. I’m also a guy who hates to be put into uncomfortable situations. But if we don’t try to see ourselves in situations, attempt to make something happen, then we become further entrenched in the “I don’t like that” mentality, unwilling to try.

For me, I’ve done that for far too long.

So, here’s to a new year of new possibilities and a new year of trying new things.

Maybe! 🙂