"You know, I have always wanted to try that out."

This phrase has passed through my lips more often than I would like to admit. Anything from food to books, movies to puzzles, or games to classes...there are a plethora of things I had always wanted to try out or go back and finish, but never did for one reason or another.

Unfortunately, I had fallen into the trap of getting engrossed in something - like a TV show or a book - and then stopping for a short period of time before picking it back up again. That short period of time eventually became a little longer. Then a little longer. Then a little...you get the idea.

This had been going on for years actually. I first noticed it when I was in middle school and I would pick up a book that looked interesting to me and had heard numerous wonderful things about, from good and trusted sources mind you. Then I would not even get halfway through it before the cycle would start back up again. Trust me, I did not like it! There were book series, like "The Edge Chronicles," that I started and stopped twice. The only reason I did not pick it back up again is because I was terrified that I would invest so much of my time to it and once I get halfway it will sit on my shelf again.

That all changed last semester. It all began - strangely enough - when I had gotten so fed up with seeing spoilers for "Game of Thrones" that I just put my foot down, bought season one, and started watching it. Now well into season three, I have become more comfortable picking up books, movies, games, or music that I put down so long ago. I have a large stack of "Doctor Who" books that I am finally starting to make a dent in. I started teaching myself how to play the guitar. Heck, I even started wearing bowties more often without being afraid if it worked with my clothes, which is an art I may never master.

Additionally, I feel more open to trying NEW things. I tried putting a slice of lime in my coffee one time (0/10, do not recommend), I took a class on Asian religions that I have always been curious about, and I even tried to do this...

Wouldn't that be cool if I could actually do that? I feel like my head would just shrivel up and look like a cone. I could be in a "Coneheads" sequel!

Wow that got off topic. Anyway, my point is that once I started moving backwards, I was able to move forwards again. By picking up and completing things that have been on my mind for a while, it gave me mental room to asses new experiences and enjoy - or not enjoy as the case may be - them in that moment rather than years down the line.

If you have anything you have put down or put off for awhile, I highly recommend picking it back up again or starting it because the experience has opened more doors for me than I could have hoped. I feel happier in some cases, but I know that this is not the only reason I feel that way. I have sources of happiness aplenty and I could not be more thankful for each and every one of them.

Go try something new! (And safe).