47 and fearless? Not so much.

I’m not writing this blog because I think my life is more interesting than anyone’s. I’m writing it because I think my life is less interesting than everyone’s…and I want to change that.

I turned 47 last week. On my birthday, I did something I do more often than I care to admit. I tried to get out of an activity I’d promised to do. It wasn’t anything big. Several days earlier, I had agreed to walk with my friend Jen. (If you know me well, you know I don’t like to exercise. I don’t go to the gym. I don’t play sports. I can’t remember the last time I ran any distance. It’s just not me.) But I figured it was just a walk, and it would be good for me.

When it came time for the walk, Jen texted me: “We walking today?” My response was something like, “Sure, unless you don’t want to. Then I’m fine not walking.” In other words, I like the “idea” of walking, but I’m pretty comfortable right now and don’t want to make an effort.  She didn’t let me get out of the walk. We walked more than 3 miles (uphill both ways, I swear). Jen and I share a similar sense of humor, so we had a lot of fun talking while we walked (though we agreed—only because it was my birthday—that I am marginally funnier than she is.) And my muscles, unused to any type of exertion, were sore the next day (or two or three). But I’m glad she didn’t let me get out of the walk. It was good for me.

When I came home, I realized that my “I’m OK if we don’t go” response had become a habit. I’d agree to something, but when it came time to actually do it, I’d try to opt out. I was too comfortable.

Comfortable sounds great, like fuzzy slippers: cozy and warm and relaxing. And frankly, comfortable is great! I’m fortunate to have a comfortable life. I’m grateful for good health, a warm home, a loving family, caring friends. But the more comfortable I became, the less I wanted to do. Did I want to meet a friend out for a drink after her late shift? “Sure, but I’m already in my jammies. Next week.” Did I want to try a new restaurant downtown? “Sure, but I’ll have to get a sitter…and directions… Well, maybe another time.” Being comfortable meant it was easier to stay home…it was easier to do nothing.

But my logical brain had questions:  If I’m reluctant to venture out and try new things at 47…what will I be like in 10 years? Will I be too comfortable to leave the house? Will I miss out on all types of experiences? And what kind of example am I setting for my boys, who are 4 and 7? Will they be afraid to try new things? If I want them to embrace life…if I want them to live it to the fullest…don’t I need to do the same?

So that day I decided I was going to push myself out of my comfort zone and try 47 new things before my next birthday. I will visit new places, sample new foods, try new experiences, learn new skills and have fun along the way.

The new things don’t have to be huge “bucket list” experiences.  Among the ideas suggested by my Facebook friends were:  take a hot air balloon ride (sounds fun), walk across hot coals (ouch!), ski the Birkebeiner (a 35-mile race on cross country skis? me?), visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia (the temples look amazing), hula dance (why not?), skydive (under consideration), surf or scuba dive (need to become a strong swimmer first), pole dance for my husband (scarier than sky-diving!) and blog about all my experiences.

So my first new thing, suggested by Lori, a former colleague, is this blog. For the record: I know about as much about blogging as I do about Angkor Wat. While that lack of knowledge might have deterred the 46-year-old me, the 47-year-old me is jumping in with both feet. At this point, I see this blog as a way to keep me honest. I’ve told you I’m going to do this, and if I don’t, you can give me hell. But if you’re entertained by my experiences and mishaps, that’s great. If you’re inspired by my successes (not likely), that’s even better! But if you inch outside your comfort zone, if even for a short time, that will make my day.