Why Not?

I really like to enjoy life. This means that I like to try new things, or do things differently than other people. I like to be myself and have fun. I do what I do and I enjoy it. I find it to be virtuous to live life this way. Step outside of yourself and try something new. I feel like I have done this many times in my life, and whether they were big steps or small steps, they have all turned out to be worthwhile. For example, when I was in high school, I noticed in the Church bulletin something about a youth group. At the time I had no idea that a youth group existed at my church. After about a month or so of reading about youth group in the Sunday bulletin, I finally decided to get the courage and just go. So I did because I wanted to. That one act turned into one of the greatest and most fundamental decisions of my life. Youth group became such an anchor in my life. If I didn't have it I am not sure if I would be the person that I am. Another example is the camp that I worked at this past summer, Camp Wojtyla. This may have been a bit more extreme decision than going to youth group, but there was absolutely no hesitation in deciding to apply. The fact that I was completely secluded from my family (except for a few phone calls) and the fact that I was living in a teepee for the summer was unlike anything I had ever done. And yet, as of now, it was the best and most unique experience I have ever had in my entire life. I feel like I need to give another example that is not as large as the previous two. Let me think. Oh gosh, duh! This blog. I don't mean to sound so sappy, but honestly, I have thoroughly enjoyed writing every day, and Lent is not even over yet. Somehow the idea of having a blog came into my head and so I just decided to do it. Why not? I love to write about anything and everything and I figured that having a blog would give me a great opportunity to do that more. My advice is this: if there is something that you have always wanted to do or maybe just something that you want to try, just do it. Try it. See what happens. It could be the best thing for you. And don't care about what other people think. I have this one friend of mine, a very good friend of mine, that always questions the things that I do. He would say, "well, why did you do that?" (meaning something fun or silly that I did). I would always respond, "why not?" And before long, he caught on and knew what my answer would always be if he ever asked that question. Does everything need a huge explanation? I don't think so. If you want to do something just because, that is perfectly ok. Try it out. 

I mentioned virtue in the above paragraph. My idea is that when we let our guard down and let our personality really show through with the little choices that we make, we may indeed become more virtuous. In trying the things that I want to do, not because someone told me to or because I received permission from someone, I was able to become more of myself through doing those things. If you naturally want to do something, if you naturally find something fun or amusing, such activities are revealing  your pesonality, who you are. So, when you participate in those activities you are actually helping yourself become more like yourself. You are helping yourself become your natural self. When you become more like yourself, the person that God created you to be, I think you are growing in virtue. So, when I am trying something new, when I step outside of my comfort zone, I am allowing God to really shape me into the person He wants me to be. If I am naturally inclined to like or be interested in something, then such situations are especially easy for God to shape me. When we participate in such activities, when we open ourselves up to letting God shape us through these activities, then we become closer to the person that God created us to be, and thus we become more virtuous. This exact thing happened to me last night. Swing dancing is something that I have picked up here at college. And oh do I love it! It gives me the opportunity to come outside of myself and to really have fun. When I am swing dancing I know that I am being a better version of myself because I allow myself to have fun. I am always smiling and laughing and having fun. I can tell that in those moments I am becoming, and recognizing, more of the woman that God wants me to be. Therefore, not only does the act of dancing make me happy, but the realization that I am becoming a better person through the dancing makes me the happiest. I love the person that I am when I am dancing. So joyful. Ha, this is such a silly example but so true. 

If you ever want to try something new but you can't come up with the courage to do it just call me and I will tell you, "why not?"