A Moment I Regret

We pulled over at a picturesque lake near Mount Cook, and I remember seeing a group of young people camping and swimming at the lake early in the morning. This surprised me in the moment. Why is that surprising? It was a beautiful morning and a beautiful lake. Lake Pukaki looked untouched by humanity. It was nothing like the brown, opaque water in New Jersey and New York. That lake should be swam in by everyone that comes across its shores. 

But, I didn’t swim. And I regret it. I feared being cold, and I probably would have been cold. Is that really a good reason to not do it? I also would have been swimming in the most beautiful lake I’ve never seen, on a random Tuesday, laughing with Ash about “how crazy this is.” We’re freezing in a crystal clear lake, in New Zealand! How many people get to do that? Not me, because I said no. Stop saying no.

It’s boring. It doesn’t change you or me. Saying yes is a little crazy sometimes and I kinda love a little crazy. A yes leads to life changing experiences. We get to experience a new side of ourselves, especially when we say yes scared. 

I know, it’s so easy to say no and to rationalize why. You might be thinking, I’ll be cold, embarrassed, and scared. But those aren’t the only emotions you’ll be feeling. You’ll also be energized, surprised, and living. There’s always two choices, yes and no, and both come with different feelings. Saying no is often the easy choice. It feels good to be comfortable, to stick to what you know. 

For me, I find it much harder to say yes. It’s hard to agree to something that will result in being uncomfortable. Although it’s difficult to say yes, I never regret it. No matter how much my anxiety wants me to think I do. Having a new experience leads to growth and a feeling of satisfaction. Even if it didn’t go to plan, I’m glad I tried, and that in the moment I was brave to do something new. 

And I might regret not swimming in the lake, but I will never regret taking the trip. 

Finding purpose,

Lauren