Ditching Resolutions: Jumping into the Unfamiliar with Courage

New Year, New Resolutions? Not for me. The cycle of setting grand resolutions only to see them fade away by February never quite resonated. But what if, instead of pledging to accomplish some grand feat, we embraced the idea of trying something wholly unconventional, perhaps even a little scary, just for the thrill of stepping outside our comfort zones?

For me, this year marked a decision to venture into the unexpected—a kickboxing class. The irony? I've never raised a hand in frustration, let alone hit anything or anyone. "Hitting" was always a no-go in my book when it came to expressing oneself. Yet, today became the day I summoned the courage to redefine my boundaries.

Kickboxing, a realm where precision meets intent, demanded a departure from my usual self. Lifting my hand in a controlled manner, focusing on breath, and zeroing in on a target introduced a novel way of expression. It's not about unbridled aggression; it's about calculated movement and self-defense, an art that challenges both body and mind.

Admittedly, the road to becoming a kickboxing pro is a distant one for me, and my body serves as a sore reminder of the ease of staying in the comfort zone. But that's not the goal. The exhilaration of feeling my body rotate, extend, and execute controlled strikes is a victory in itself.

While I still stand firm on non-violence as a means of expression, there's something transformative about channeling energy purposefully. Trying something new, especially in the realm of the unexpected, is a badge of courage worth wearing proudly. So here's to leaving the comfort zone, trying the untried, and feeling the rush of diving headfirst into the deep end.