“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?”
– Vincent Van Gogh
Spring is here and with it comes a time for renewal. For me, a big part of renewal is trying new things. Those who follow this column know I’ve been on a health journey for the last year or so. (Update: I’ve lost around 34 pounds since the start of 2022.) I stay in pretty good shape. Outside of the couple months I was recovering from a fractured fibula, I jog regularly. I lift weights. I eat healthy. All of those things.
But recently I tried something I had never done before: Zumba. Yes, Zumba. My wife, Blair, wanted to go to one class being offered at the YMCA and asked me if I would go with her. I had mentioned to her recently that we should work out together more often. Zumba wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, but since she asked, I thought I’d be a good sport and give it a shot.
It was fun! I won’t lie to you and tell you I was a natural at it, or even that it’s something I’ll be doing regularly, but it was something outside of my comfort zone, and therefore, a bit of a challenge for me. That’s something I enjoy and thus, I liked the class.
I often think of the book Green Eggs and Ham and pass along the message from that story to my kids. But within that children’s book is an important message for all of us, no matter our age: don’t be afraid to try new things. For me, this time it was Zumba. Next time, who knows? But I’ll be sure to do it whether it’s in the rain, on a train, in a box or with a fox.