“Open yourself to new ideas and new things even if you find you don’t like them in the end – but at least knowing them has taken you that much further along into being a more experienced and well-rounded person in this world.” -Josh Barnett-
This quote was posted by my new-found friend Diane, who is dying. Diane was given a month to live eighteen months ago. She is battling bone cancer which has spread to her liver. This courageous woman is a championship soccer coach, accomplished marathoner, triathlete and an Ironman. My friend is still alive and living her life to the fullest despite her many challenges through the pain. She is approaching death with a gusto of pursuing new ideas and new things in chasing a bucket list of these experiences. She has not stopped her quest to be a “well-rounded person in this world.” Inspirational!
As I shared with Diane when I first met her recently, my quest for a Leap Year of Firsts was my attempt of doing what Diane was preaching. When you attempt to something for the first time in your life as the quote above says… “you must open yourself to new ideas and new things,” even if you do not like some of them or fail at them. I learned so much by doing and experiencing the many firsts during my leap year of them. I could not help becoming a more empathetic and well-rounded person. Life is about experiences. As Diane reinforced to me capture as many experiences while you can, while you’re alive. Live Life! Do a First!