One year of firsts…

When we are children, our lives are full of firsts: first steps, first grade, first wish, first kiss, first love. There seems to be an endless stream of "firsts".

At some point, though, there are fewer "firsts". We forget what it's like to discover something new.

After a while we tend to lose our childlike curiosity, leaning more toward what we know and what we're comfortable with. We order food that we know we like. We wear clothes that are the same style we've worn for years. We see the same people every day. Work is "Groundhog Day". We vacation in the same place every year. We wrap ourselves in the familiar to avoid the discomfort of change. We attach ourselves to our habits, (good and bad), and our usual ways of doing things.

And then we stop growing.

We forget that "firsts" are like fresh air, fresh life. We forget that "firsts" are deliciously awakening. We forget how a "first" feels, the way your brain hums with satisfaction after a new experience.

And so in 2010 I started an experiment: a daily, yearlong experiment in search of "firsts," large and small. Every day I promised myself I would seek a "first". I would try to say yes to something I'd normally resist and reject out of fear of going out of my comfort zone. In the archives you can see what happened every single day; every first, good, bad and well…just weird.

My life changed after a year of firsts. I'm teaching. I'm working on a book. I hosted an entertainment show for a year. I continue to do my own firsts every chance I get. But now I hope my journey will help inspire you to take on your own First challenges. I hope you'll share Your Firsts with me by posting your experiences. Share pictures and video too. If you need help with a First, check out First Aid. We'll find someone in our community to assist. And if you are a company or individual who can offer some help or a discount for special firsts ( circus act, helicopter rides, fishing , etc…) please post in Spots for free.

I have my own personal rules for Firsts but of course you can come up with your own:

1) Nothing self-destructive or harmful to others
2) A first can be something you haven't done in over a decade. Let's face it. If you haven't ice-skated since you were a kid, doing it as an adult is like a first.

That's it. So here's to your own adventure in Firsts! Start today and I promise your tomorrow will never be the same.