Live & Learn

Every New Year, while others are vowing to hit the gym or swear off junk food (again), I like to keep things interesting and begin with a positive spin. My philosophy? Live and learn. With a dash of humor and a sprinkle of adventure, rather than denying myself pleasures, I choose to enrich my life by adding three new activities each year: travel, athletics, and education. This not only fuels my wanderlust satisfies but also justifies my athletic aspirations and boundless curiosity.

Travel? Well, that’s my perfect excuse to wander into the unknown, diving into diverse cultures, cuisines, and capers, all while racking up enough frequent flyer miles to practically start my own airline. Having called five of the seven continents home—North America, South America, Europe, Australia, and Africa—I’ve filled multiple passports, each a well-worn tapestry of stamps and cherished memories. My global adventures have sparked an insatiable travel bug, and though I’ve now resettled in the US, my thirst for exploring new horizons remains as unquenched as ever.

Athletics? My ever-changing attempts for new sports provides comic relief for family and friends, who loyally cheer me on through every wild endeavor. Numerous activities have secured a permanent spot in my bustling life. Triathlons, for instance, where my college swimming prowess and passion for long-distance biking helped me conquer my general disdain for running. More tranquil pursuits like yoga, paddle boarding, hiking—really, anyone can walk, right?—mountain biking, and kayaking provide a peaceful respite, allowing me to slow down, breathe, and truly relish the great outdoors.

Education? Every year, I dive headfirst into the vast ocean of learning something new, armed with nothing but curiosity and a sense of humor. One year, I decided to tackle cooking and ended up attending culinary school in Tuscany, Italy. I can now whip up a hand made pasta that would make an Italian grandmother weep with joy. Now when my husband and I travel the world, we include cooking classes wherever we can.

Not every endeavor is a success, but each one adds a fun chapter to life and a reminder to keep exploring.

Not every endeavor is a success, but each one adds a fun chapter to life and a reminder to keep exploring. Whether I’m mastering a new recipe or fumbling through a new country where I can’t speak or read a word, every effort is a step towards growth. These experiences, successful or not, build a lifetime of memories that remind me of the importance of persistence and curiosity. They teach me to embrace both triumphs and setbacks with grace, and cherish the process of discovery. After all, it’s the relentless pursuit of exploring the unknown is what keeps life exciting.

How do I find time to add three new things every year? Well, one year I started “No TV Tuesdays and Thursdays.” You’d be surprised how much time you have to add more to your life when you’re not binge-watching shows or glued to your phone screen. Suddenly, I had plenty of time for a whirlwind of new activities. It’s amazing what you can achieve when you stop procrastinating and start participating!

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