What would really happen if you just took a chance?

If you had one week to live and were asked if there was anything you regret, what do you think you would say? I recently read an article (that now for the life of me I can't find again to link to) which included an interview with a pastor. It was about what people talked to him about when they know they are going to die. No one ever talked to him about things they had done that they regret, but everyone always talked to him about things they wish they had done.

In the past year I've made a real effort to say "yes" more often then I say "no". Whether it's meeting friends for a drink when I feel like I'd rather lay on the couch and do nothing, or riding a mechanical bull when I know I'm going to embarrass the crap out of myself or trying Mahi Mahi when I "know" I'm going to hate it. Each time I end up having an unforgettable night with great friends, a hilarious story to tell the next day, and discovering a new food that I actually love. It's amazing the experiences you can have if you just say yes. You're not going to look back on life and wish you had spent more time watching TV or going to bed early. You're going to wish you had spent more time with the people you care about and that you had done more.

I know far too many people who are too scared to try new things because they are self conscious or worried about embarrassing themselves. Or they aren't willing to talk to someone because they aren't their "type". What would really happen if you just took a chance? A chance on meeting some one new, trying something new, or a chance that while you might look like a fool, you might also have the time of your life? I think I've embarrassed myself so many times in life that I'm immune to feeling embarrassed so I get that this might not be so easy for other people but if you really think about it, who cares?

What you feel embarrassed about, everyone else has forgotten about 10 minutes later. Big deal if you try something new and look like an idiot. Prime example for me. . . running. I am not pretty when I run. It was even worse when I first started running and I know it. I know I looked like the fat girl flailing around on the track but I promise while someone maybe looked at me and laughed, 5 minutes later they had forgotten about me. And in the end it opened up a whole new world of something I really enjoy and that has changed my life.

The same goes for people. Give people a chance! Big deal if he's not your type, and not the cutest guy at the bar. If he says hi, say hi back. Have a conversation. Get to know someone before deciding you aren't interested. You're going to miss out on meeting some amazing people if you aren't willing to step outside of your box. That doesn't just go for people looking for a mate. In general, I think the best part of life is meeting new people and listening to their stories. Everyone has something to offer and you could really learn a lot if you're just willing to listen.

I don't know about you but I refuse to be one of those people that looks back on life and wishes I had done more. I'd like to look back and think "No wonder I'm so damned tired, I had one hell of a time!"