It’s All So New: The risk and reward of engaging NEW experiences.

A message from Rachel...

There’s nothing like experiencing the feeling of new.

• Meeting a person for the first time. (the encounter spanning from awesome to awkward, and any feeling in between)

• Purchasing a new item (the “new” [insert object] smell).

• Experiencing a new activity, and more.

Attempting something that is new can be received differently for anyone, because the perspective and the former experiences of a person are existing variables. I believe that engaging something new also comes with risk and reward. The risk? Something completely foreign that you have the choice to accept or decline. The reward? The outcomes of the choice to accept or decline.

Back in October, scrolling on my Facebook timeline, I stumbled upon an ad of a social organization in the Tampa Bay area. This organization was launching a chapter in the Tampa Bay area and their advertisement invited viewers like myself to tap the link, complete an intake form, and upon results, consider becoming a member of the organization.

The background of this account began with my interest (and a personal goal) in connecting to local social organizations to “stretch” my networking muscle (professionally), meet new people, and participate in new activities and experiences. As I tapped the link to start the intake form, two truths became present at once. 

1. The conservative side of me was speaking. “Exit the page!” I can be very hesitant to “new” at times. I am comfortable with what currently is. Life has a cadence that keeps me consistent, present, and calm.

2. The adventurous side of me was also speaking. “Shake it up a bit!”, “Live a little!”, “Explore, why don’t ya!”, “Try it once to discover whether you like it or not.”

Risk, Round 1

I proceeded to submit my intake form, which then followed a required 15-minute interview with a representative to ensure I fit the group criteria. A week passed, my interview came and went. I was accepted. And here came the true litmus test. Would I endeavor to risk my status quo of comfort or adventure a little and perhaps obtain a reward? I paid the monthly subscription fee and accessed all events and member incentives for the Tampa Bay area. This access and preview of new things to do in the region I live in felt good. 

Risk, Round 2

In excitement, I spent 30 minutes scrolling through events and sifting through my calendar to find time and opportunity to participate in the listed activities. Experiences spanning from group pottery class, candle-making class, museum trips, pop-ups and curated conversations around specific topics of interests. An array of options, so much so that it became overwhelming and I wanted to back out…again.

Risk, Round 3

The thoughts came…

Is this really worth it?

The energy necessary to meet new people.

The risk of participating in something new, costing me time and money.

Will this benefit me in the long run?

After a quick personal pep-talk sesh (session), I was back in adventure mode and I was determined to secure at least one new activity and experience for the month of November. I made sure my selection aligned to my personal interests and something I could see myself giving of my time and resources to invest in.

Reward, Round 1

I booked and attended a local field trip up to the Henry B. Plant Museum nestled on the campus of the University of Tampa. With an intimate group of eight people, we participated in a docent-led tour of the historic Tampa Bay Hotel, established by expressman and businessman Henry B. Plant in 1891.

Reward, Round 2

During this tour, I had the opportunity to learn so many great things about the origins of the greater Tampa Bay area and how this hotel in the late 1800s was a hub along the Gulf Coast and an attraction for wealthy families from the north to stay during the cold months of the year (the original snow birds). I also grew in confidence that other individuals were also history buffs and excited and proud about it too.

Reward, Round 3

A 41-minute drive north for an 11 am museum tour on a Saturday morning (when I could be in bed) was worth my while and I learned more about myself from beginning to end from this personal account. From start to end, I found mystery in the “new”. I didn’t know what lies next beyond the confirmed event I booked for, but I chose to remain present in the process. The incentive came about when I gave the adventurous side of me permission to motivate me to embrace the experience and then determine if I enjoy it or not. The laughter and joy came when I arrived on the campus of University of Tampa seeing students walk to and from dorm halls and the student union with phones in hand and bags of food. The nostalgia. (Boy, do I remember those Saturdays). I would not have had that moment if I did not book this experience. The experience empowered me to try again and continue to create opportunities to embrace and engage something new.

Here is my encouragement to anyone attempting to embrace and engage something that may be new:

Lean Into It

It’s up to us to accept, plan, and attend the given opportunity. Each new step can feel daunting. That’s normal. However, if the experience resonates with a part of you, or the mystery of the experience itself gets to you, lean into that internal response and give it a go!

Breathe and Consider

Take a deep breath and consider your personal motivations. Why would you want to engage in a new experience? What would you want to gain from the encounter? Then, make your decision and honor it. Yes or no are both acceptable. Don’t over think it.

Celebrate Small Wins

Perhaps you will learn another insight about yourself based upon your decision. Our attempts to embrace and engage someone, something or somewhere new gives us an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate ourselves more.