Lessons Learned: Three Things I Tried and Will Never Try Again

Life is a constant journey of exploration and experimentation. Sometimes, we stumble upon things that become cherished experiences, while other times, we discover that some endeavors are best left in the past. In this blog post, I’m going to share three things I tried, learned from, and have decided never to try again. These experiences taught me valuable lessons about life, risk-taking, and the importance of knowing my limits.

Skydiving: A Leap of Faith

There’s something undeniably exhilarating about the idea of soaring through the sky, the wind rushing past you as you descend from a plane. So, a few years ago I decided to try skydiving, thinking it would be a life-changing adventure. Little did I know that it would indeed change my life – but not in the way I expected. It was something I have wanted to do for a very long time and in my defense I was trying to take back control of my life and my fears.

The day arrived, and as I strapped myself to an experienced skydiver, my heart raced. As we plummeted from the plane, the initial rush was incredible. But as the seconds ticked by, panic began to set in. The sensation of free-falling, combined with the overwhelming fear, was too much for me to handle.

We eventually deployed the parachute, and I glided safely to the ground. While many people find skydiving to be an amazing experience, I realized that it wasn’t for me. The fear and anxiety I felt overshadowed any thrill I might have experienced. I learned that pushing my boundaries is important, but it’s equally important to recognize when an activity isn’t aligned with my personal preferences and comfort zone.

Key Lesson: Trying new things is essential for personal growth, but it’s equally important to listen to your instincts and recognize when an activity isn’t a good fit for you. Not to mention I thought I was going to have a heart attack! Well, at the least. There was the fact that I was sure I was plummeting to my death.

Extreme Spicy Food Challenge: Fire in My Mouth

As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’m always eager to try new cuisines and flavors. So, when the opportunity arose to try some extremely spicy food at a local restaurant, I jumped at the chance. Before y’all say it I know I can’t handle it. I know that my stomach will rebel in the worst sort of way but lets face sometimes you have to give it a try. Like my brother said at the time, “You have to try it, your taste buds will explode with happiness and joy!” I knew he was lying. It was the Thai food all over again.

The food was made with some of the world’s hottest chili peppers, including Carolina Reapers and ghost peppers. I took my first bite confidently, but within seconds, I realized I had made a grave mistake. The heat was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. My mouth felt like it was on fire, and no amount of milk or bread could extinguish the flames.

Despite the tears streaming down my face and the pain in my mouth, I stubbornly continued eating, determined to show my brother I could do it. When I finally finished, I was victorious, but I was also in agony. The intense spiciness left my stomach in knots, and I spent the rest of the day regretting my decision and not in any sort of a good way.

Key Lesson: Challenging yourself can be rewarding, but it’s crucial to assess the potential risks and consequences before diving into something extreme, especially when it comes to food. Oh and stop letting my brother push me into things I know aren’t right for me!

Solo Backpacking in the Wilderness: Lost and Alone

Solo backpacking in the wilderness was a dream of mine when I was younger. I imagined myself exploring pristine landscapes, finding inner peace, and conquering nature’s challenges. However, the reality of my solo backpacking adventure turned out to be a stark contrast to my romanticized vision.

I set off on a multi-day hike in a remote wilderness area, carrying everything I needed on my back. The first day was fantastic – the scenery was breathtaking, and the solitude was refreshing. However, on the second day, I encountered a problem. I had veered off the trail and was now lost in the vast wilderness.

Panic set in as I realized I didn’t have a clear sense of direction or a map to guide me. Cellphones had not yet been invented and I was miles away from any human civilization. I spent an anxious night in the wild, surrounded by unfamiliar sounds and darkness.

The next day, I managed to pull myself together and retrace my steps finding the trail again, but the experience left me shaken. The sense of isolation and vulnerability was far more profound than I had anticipated. I vowed never to venture into the wilderness alone without proper preparation and navigation skills.

Key Lesson: Adventuring solo can be rewarding, but it’s essential to prioritize safety and preparation above all else. Know your limits and always have a backup plan. Carry a map, realize I’m not Dian Fossey and thank the good Lord for the invention of the cellphone!

Conclusion

Life is a series of experiments, and sometimes, we discover our boundaries through trial and error. The three experiences I shared – skydiving, extreme spicy food challenges, and solo backpacking – were undoubtedly memorable, but they also served as important lessons in self-awareness and risk assessment. While I may never repeat these particular endeavors, I’m grateful for the wisdom they’ve imparted and the reminder that not all experiences are meant to be repeated. It’s through these misadventures that we grow and learn, ultimately becoming wiser and more mindful individuals.