Do Something each day that scares you.

This quote, or variations thereof, is attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt. It is also reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday. She has an idea to spend a day of “firsts” Do things that we have never done before the whole day. And then they do, and the results fascinate and uplift.

In recent conversations I’ve had on this general line of thought, I started asking folks: “Do you have a bucket list?” Answers ranged from No! (sadly) to Yes! to my favorite response: “I have several.”

Sometimes we have dreams we have been working on a long time; some come up quickly and some are too private to share. Having them seems to be what matters. If not for dreams, how do we stretch our comfort zone or experience life to the fullest?

One of mine was always to do a Team in Training half marathon. As a walk/jog combo, it would be amazing. They take place in interesting cities, far and wide. Happy to say, the time was finally right, I planned and trained and was thrilled to be part of a huge wave of people, of all ages and abilities, climbing a hill, pre-dawn in Savannah, Georgia one brisk November morning. The feeling of goodwill, excitement and anticipation is a feeling that doesn’t leave you. You can draw on it and remember the vivid imagery for years to come.

So yes, make that list. Being scared is step one to being energized. Try something new and you’ll be amazed.