This past August, I took my 85 year old aunt out kayaking.

She hadn’t tried it since she’d been a lot younger, had a bad experience then, and had resisted ever since.

But she witnessed how much fun I was having on the water and she was curious and eager.

So we set up a 15 minute mini lesson.

I should say here that my aunt “Rooney” (as we call her), is not your typical 85 year old. She’s at the gym every day taking dance and aerobics and samba, meeting friends for lunch, studying French, participating in her book club, keeping up a blog (yes!), and staying in touch with her 8 grandchildren.  She’s far more active than many people half her age.

One of the things that impresses me most is that she keeps trying new things.

Here she is in full action just leaving the dock.

If seeing this photo makes you smile, think how much more you would smile if it was YOU, trying something you’ve been curious about for a while.

You might squirm a bit, giggle with discomfort, squeal with delight, and most of all, chuckle with pride that you “finally did it.”

Whatever your reaction, I guarantee you’ll feel a ZING in your life, a shot of energy and a bolt of pride for trying something new — for taking the risk.

So, let me ask again, “When was the last time you did something for the first time?”

The next time the opportunity presents itself, why not say, “Yes.”