"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" This question, posed by Vincent van Gogh, captures the essence of human growth and exploration. Starting something new is undeniably brave. Plato famously said, "The beginning is the most important part of the work." This rings true because every expert once stood at the starting line, uncertain and unskilled. The journey of mastery begins with a single step—a decision to try.
As C.S. Lewis wisely observed, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” Similarly, Mark Twain’s timeless words remind us that, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” These quotes inspire us to embrace life’s challenges and step outside our comfort zones.
Consider the ordinary bravery of people who dared to be beginners. My mother learned to downhill ski at 45 years old; by 55, she was an expert. My father took up horseback riding lessons at 60, proving that age is no barrier to new passions. My friend Laurie learned to play the fiddle at 50, and my brother started practicing martial arts at 57. While these acts may not seem revolutionary, they required courage—the courage to leave comfort zones and embrace the vulnerability of being a novice.
"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore," said André Gide. This metaphor applies to countless individuals who dared to venture into the unknown. Colonel Harland Sanders was 62 when he founded Kentucky Fried Chicken. Julia Child published her first cookbook at 50, revolutionizing home cooking. Mary Somerville, largely self-taught, gained renown in mathematics and physics in her late forties.
As John A. Shedd aptly noted, “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” These pioneers ventured beyond safety, finding new oceans of opportunity and fulfillment. Their stories remind us that it’s never too late to try something new. After all, how many of us, at 18, truly know what we want to do forever? Life is a series of evolving passions and pursuits, and the willingness to start anew keeps it vibrant.
So, why not take the leap? Whether it’s picking up an instrument, pursuing a long-forgotten dream, or learning a new skill, stepping outside your comfort zone could lead to a lifetime of enrichment. As van Gogh suggests, courage is the cornerstone of a meaningful life. Start something new today, and who knows what uncharted oceans you’ll discover.
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