Breaking out of the familiar

I've always been one to give things a go, you know, try out something new even though it might be a little out of my comfort zone or area of expertise. I don't see much point in holding back through fear, unfamiliarity or judgement. I don't mean things like trying meth-amphetamines, cannibalism or anything so extreme though; I mean things like new foods, places, sports, book-genre's, events and the like. Life seems too short not to do so and who knows, maybe I'll like it?

This week the young lad who makes my coffee each morning at my friends café asked me about shooting as he'd heard me, and other patrons, talking about it from time to time. I could tell that he was pretty keen, but a bit tentative, to try it out and so I offered to take him one day, which he jumped at. Now, not to stereotype but this guy seems like the least likely person to want to go shooting and yet here he is asking to go. He even told me how nervous he would be and that he has never even seen a gun in real life. We chatted some more and I could see his nerves subside and excitement rise as we did so and before long he was grinning and saying, "this is sick dude, I can't wait!" Well, he's going to have to because prior to any shooting is my famous safety and firearms lesson which I need to feel confident he has understood before sending lead downrange. He'll have a blast though. People who come out always do.

In the past I've held back from trying new things, doing new things, going to new places and getting out of my comfort zone. I've always been happy to explore a little but would generally defer to what was familiar and comfortable. Around 18 years ago, on turning 30, I decided that needed to change and I broke out. Since then I have done some amazing things and have loved them or hated them. I've also expanded my paradigm to encompass new things, new thoughts and opinions which is probably the biggest win!

The phrase, "life is short, play hard" gets thrown about like the stupid cliché it is, however in reality life is short and shouldn't be squandered. People have different needs of course and some will challenge themselves more than others; Do that white-water rafting trip they always felt afraid to do, try olives for the first time or even apply a heightened level of ownership and discipline in pursuit of a better position at work or a greater relationship with their partner...Whatever.

Breaking out of the familiar and into new territory can expand ones' life-experience exponentially and, as I said above, ones' paradigm which of course has a knock-on effect in most other aspects of life. So, I'll take this young lad shooting and see how we go. Of course, for me just taking someone shooting like this takes me out of my comfort zone. I shoot live ammunition and so there's an element of danger. It would only take a split second for the gun to be turned on me, or someone else, so it puts me firmly out of my comfort zone; I would normally only ever shoot with someone I trust implicitly. I feel I'm a good judge of character though and can read the signs so am reasonably safe. I also stand very close behind the novice shooter so any moves to turn around with the gun would get dealt with...Let's just say painfully firmly. :)