Seize every day to get out and have more fun with Amanda, Onlineshoes.com’s Rehabilitated Recluse.

A couple of months ago I turned 25 and experienced what I have come to term, my “mid-mid life crisis.” For me, this day marked the first time that I really took a step back and assessed my life. I took a good, hard look at what I have done versus what I want to do, and I discovered a long list of things I have left to accomplish.

It seems to me that the older you get, the harder it is to try new things and to step out of your comfort zone. The fear of failure or humiliation can be overwhelming and, although I hate to admit it, these fears combined with my own stubbornness have kept me from branching out. But, no more! It’s time to throw caution to the wind and take a leap. Because the truth is, I’d much rather experience a little embarrassment over a lot of regret. And if I don’t do it now, when will I? The answer my friends could be “never,” which simply won’t do.

And so, I resolve to start checking things off of my “To Do List,” to try what I have told myself I would do, and to seize the day. Included on this list are a variety of things that I have absolutely no experience in, including: flag football, martial arts and salsa dancing.

During the upcoming months I will commit myself both mentally and physically to taking these activities head-on, in the hopes of proving to myself, and perhaps even you, that it’s never too late to learn.

To kick-off my challenge, I am participating in a martial arts course designed to arm students with the basic knowledge they need to defend themselves in real-life situations. As a single female in the big city, this seems useful. However, being five-feet ten inches with no coordination and being prone to accidents, this also seems that it may have a high potential for disaster.

As I mentally prepare for my first endeavor, I can’t help but wonder what the ultimate outcome will be. Am I setting myself up for disappointment? Will this class be nothing more than a confirmation of the old adage “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”? Or will I surprise myself, find that I have a natural knack for karate chops and high kicks, and become the next Karate Kid? Only time will tell.