In the words of Shakira, “Try Everything”
Try Everything
Yesterday was Fathers’ Day, and my hubby wanted to visit a driving range for some family fun.
My initial thought was “Why?” and “Since when are you interested in golf?”
But notice I said thought, because I didn’t say it out loud. I kept it to myself. This was his day, and we had to participate in whatever random activity he wanted to do – with a smile.
Just for detail purposes my hubby is white, I’m black, my 2 kids are black, and his 2 kids are mixed (black and white).
He found a place, and I reluctantly got dressed in casual comfy clothing, loaded the kids up and we drove to the driving range.
Once we arrived, we walked toward the range, and I swiped my debit card at the ball machine, loading 2 buckets of bright yellow golf balls.
We found clubs and two lanes – one for hubby, my older son and myself, the other for all three 14-year-olds (that’s a story for another day).
We began to swing. And like it was in his blood, my husband was freaking Tiger Woods. Form, swing and distance.
“Umm sir, when have you done this before?” “Who do you go golfing with?” “How have I been with you for 11 years, and didn’t know you were a freaking golf pro?”
Then I discovered it, the screen that tells you how far you send your ball into the abyss. But not only did it do that, but there were games you could play. The competitor in me was already in it before it even started. I found an Angry Birds game. You swing, and the cameras track your strength and aim to knock down the pigs on the screen. That’s when my fun really began. I needed to knock down those pigs.
Then like magic, my swing improved. My form did something amazing, and I was hitting the ball like I’ve been to the range on a regular basis.
Was it perfect? Nah.
Were my balls going super far? Nope.
But was I beating my husband in this virtual Angry Birds war? Yup.
We finished up a few rounds – which I won, then, we switched to a virtual golf course.
He beat me 2/3 rounds…but, I was actually having fun.
I was smiling, dancing and discovering what may or may not be a new talent.
I even texted a friend, like “Girl, I actually had fun!”
I faintly remember going to a driving range with some friends in college years ago. But obviously, it wasn’t something I had thought about doing again in the past 20-25 years.
But this time, I’m like “Oooooh, date night!”
Not only was it fun, there are so many benefits to trying a new activity:
Personal growth and discovery
Mood improvement
Problem solving increases
Breaking monotony
Reducing stress
Stepping outside of your comfort zone
Exposure to different ideas, cultures and perspectives
Building confidence
Becoming more adventurous, proactive and resilient
Making life more fulfilling and exciting
So, I tell you all of that to say, the next time an opportunity presents itself to try something new. Go for it. And do it with an open mind and heart. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to do it again – but if you do, congrats! You’ve just opened the door to a new skill or hobby.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. Support from a therapist can help you navigate these emotions and find practical ways to care for yourself. The clinicians at New Chapter Counseling Services specialize in supporting women through life transitions, pregnancy, postpartum, and everyday mental health challenges.