I read a bumper sticker recently that said, “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” I read it a few times while at a stoplight, and then I spent the rest of my drive to work thinking about it. It’s a tough question.
I remember the first time I rode a bicycle. The first time I swam in the 10-foot section of the pool. The first movie I went to. The first time I kissed a girl. The list goes on. But when was the last time I did something for the first time? Hmmm.
To help tackle this question, I decided to look at it another way, with another question. What things have I not done that I would like to do?
When I was more athletically inspired in my twenties, I had some physical goals like running a marathon, getting strong enough to bench press 300 pounds, earning a black belt in taekwondo, and riding the full RAGBRAI route. Most of those went by the wayside and are not too desirable today. The goals now are less measurable but are even more important: eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising consistently, relaxing, reducing stress, sleeping more, and telling the people who are important to me that I love them.
Meanwhile, there are some specific things I want to do, like traveling with my wife to Ireland… and Hawaii. Like learning how to play a guitar. Like seeing our kids, who now live in other states, more. Like riding my motorcycle more often. Like reading for fun.
And there are some things I would like to do less of, like watching TV. Like spending time on my cell phone. Like working excessive hours. Like eating less junk food.
How about you? When was the last time you did something for the first time? Shoot me a note and let me know.
Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305 | 
