The wealth of experiences – Living life trying new things

I don’t think of wealth in a traditional way. For me, wealth is not about accumulating material possessions or chasing after the latest gadgets. Instead, I live my life for experiences. Ever since I was a child, I have been deeply curious about the world. I wanted to dive headfirst into new things, do them with all my energy, and right away!

Retreats are a great way to try new things!

Life, to me, is about far more than acquiring material things. When my life comes to an end, I can promise you that I won’t be upset about not having owned the latest iPhone or the trendiest car. What I would regret are the experiences I didn’t seize—the adventures I didn’t embark on, the skills I didn’t learn, and the challenges I didn’t embrace.

Acting like a monkey is a great experience for all humans! Costa Rica is a great place to get in the trees!

Experiences come in many forms. They can be positive or negative, but both are valuable in helping us grow. While positive experiences uplift us, I believe negative experiences can teach us even more—provided we overcome them. That said, jumping into extreme challenges like base jumping or ultra-marathons without preparation isn’t the best place to start. Growth comes from embarking on new challenges intentionally, and every small step counts.

Looking at archeological sites in 100 degree heat was an experience out of our comfort zone! Luckily we had our new Kuhl sunshirts. I wore that thing for a whole week straight on this Grand Canyon river rafting, camping, and hiking trip!

Growing up, I was involved in numerous activities. I played baseball and hockey, took piano lessons, and earned a black belt in karate. I competed in all these pursuits, shaped by a “be the best” mentality. While this drive for excellence pushed me to achieve, it also limited my ability to simply enjoy what I was doing. I won a few competitions, but I often compared myself to others, leaving me feeling like my efforts weren’t enough. Over time, I’ve come to realize that success doesn’t mean being the best—it means learning, growing, and finding fulfillment in the journey.

Learning to row in the grand canyon was a great new experience!

The key message here is to not fear trying new things. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, even if it means going against the grain of your family or friends. True growth rarely happens in the safety and comfort of your familiar surroundings. Growth is inherently uncomfortable. However, discomfort does not have to equate to suffering. The way we react to discomfort determines whether it becomes a source of pain or an opportunity for growth. Humans are remarkably resilient and capable of maintaining a positive attitude even in challenging situations.

Some of us need to occasionally climb active volcanoes to feel alive. That’s ok too!

So, how do we choose which experiences to pursue? I believe life requires a mixture of different experiences for growth. We need moments of victory and defeat, confidence and humility, joy and struggle. By embracing this diversity, we can build resilience, perspective, and self-awareness.

Start small. Experiment with little changes if that’s what you’re comfortable with. For instance, try flipping the shower to cold. It’s a simple action, but it’s a step outside your normal routine. It’s about experimenting, learning, and discovering what works for you, and what helps you build your resilience.

Simple ideas for cultivating new experiences:

Take a cold shower.
Try a new food (Like Plants on Plates cookbook).
Enroll in language classes.
Take a different route to work or school.
Read a book outside your usual genre.
Attend a local event or festival you’ve never been to before.
Learn a simple craft like knitting, or tie-dye.
Volunteer for a cause you care about or join a friend on their volunteering project.

More challenging adventures to embrace:

Travel to a new country. Go on your own adventure or a book a retreat!
Try something that scares you. This could be rock climbing, riding a motorcycle, or camping alone. Facing your fears builds empowerment and resilience.
Take on a creative challenge, such as playing a musical instrument in front of someone or trying a sport you’ve never played before.
Participate in a public speaking event or join a debate club.
Run a race, whether it’s a 5K or a marathon.
Take up a practice that trains both your body and your mind, like martial arts or yoga.
Immerse yourself in a cultural exchange or homestay program.

Remember, everyone’s journey is unique. While someone might be scaling mountains, another might be gathering the courage to speak up in a meeting or take a solo trip. The starting point doesn’t matter—what matters is the willingness to grow and learn.

Yoga can be a great way to make new friends!

Sitting at home and watching Netflix is safe, comfortable, and easy. But is that what we’re here for? I don’t think so. Pushing ourselves out of our cozy bubbles leads to transformative life experiences. These experiences build confidence, broaden our horizons, and teach us to appreciate the richness of life.

Traveling can be a great way to experience life in it’s fullest!

Research supports the value of embracing new experiences. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who actively seek out novel experiences report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Another study by Cornell University revealed that experiential purchases—spending money on experiences rather than material goods—provide greater and longer-lasting happiness. The Cornell study emphasized that while material possessions may bring temporary satisfaction, experiences become a lasting part of our identity and memory. They allow us to connect with others, share stories, and gain insights that enrich our lives in ways material things never can.

Unfortunately, society often prioritizes spending on material possessions over experiences. Many of us save for the latest smartphone or luxury items, believing these things will bring us happiness. However, it’s the intangible experiences—the ones we can’t hold in our hands—that truly make us stronger and happier. These are the moments that shape us, teach us resilience, and give us stories to tell.

Discomfort, when approached with the right mindset, can be transformative. It’s in those moments of uncertainty and challenge that we discover our strength and resilience. Whether it’s diving into a cold lake, learning a foreign language, or navigating a difficult conversation, these experiences shape who we are and who we are becoming.

So, take the leap. Try something new. Say yes to experiences that stretch you. Life is too short to stick to the status quo. You don’t need to be fearless; you just need to be willing. Every new experience is a step toward growth, a chance to rewrite your story, and an opportunity to live fully. As the saying goes, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”