Experiences Worth Having

In the early 2010s we had YOLO (you only live once). In the early 2020s we had “doing it for the plot.” Same energy in both crazes—this idea of living in the moment and embracing spontaneity. In the latter example, the premise was simple: if it works out, that’s awesome. And if it doesn’t, well, at least you have a fun story. 

With older eyes, I have often looked back at my “doing it for the plot” and wondered if maybe I’ve danced too close to bad storylines. Maybe some plots don’t need explored. 

And yet. 

A couple years ago, I won a miscellaneous gift basket that included a couple of classes. Shortly after, I moved and my folder with the certificates was tucked away into a box that realistically remains, to this day, relatively untouched. That’s why I was surprised when, a few months ago, one of the course instructors reached out to me to see if I wanted to redeem my card. 

The class? Breathwork.  

Per the Cleveland Clinic, breathwork “refers to breathing techniques that intentionally channel and focus on the breath. For thousands of years, Eastern medicine practices, including Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, have employed breathing techniques to calm the body and the mind.”

The class would be conducted virtually and last a little over an hour and because I am always in the mood to step out of my comfort zone, I scheduled my 1:1 appointment. 

The morning of the call, I woke up anxious about it. Probably not the desired effect. But what if it was uncomfortable? What if I felt weird? What if I don’t breathe right? The instructor had sent over some documents about how the practice sometimes bringing up big emotions and feelings. I had a lot to do that day—I wasn’t sure I was ready for a complete mental collapse. 

About five minutes before the meet-up time, I realized I was probably overthinking. What’s an hour or two anyway? And in my worst case scenario where I feel silly or “bad at it” or whatever, can I not bear to be uncomfortable for 75 minutes?

Before I began, I wrote on a sticky note at my desk: Everything is an experience and all experiences are worth having. 

Perhaps this is my 31-year-old version of YOLO or “do it for the plot.” Perhaps this version is about moving through every opportunity with an open mind and a graceful gratitude. The thing might not turn out to be for me. I might want to close the door. These memories may fade into stories I replay decades from now when I no longer have a free moment to leap head first into an experience so unexpected.

But I do now. I can now. And so now I’m going to fill my life with exploration and joy. With friendship and laughter. With grit and the relentless pursuit of self. Because if life is just one big experience, I want to be sure I’m making it count.