Who's That Girl?

Life is a collection of moments, some fleeting, some transformative, but none quite as memorable as those that mark a “first.” The first time you do something, whether it’s trying a new dish, traveling to a new destination or even meeting someone who changes the course of your life, all of these hold a unique place in our hearts. These moments are more than just new experiences; they’re opportunities to grow, learn, and to see the world through a different lens.  You would think at 45 that there aren’t many firsts still left to try but guess what, there are!  

Firsts are exciting because they bring novelty. The brain is wired to respond to new experiences with heightened attention, which means that firsts are often marked by a sharper sense of awareness. There’s an energy that comes with stepping into the unknown, and while it might be intimidating, it could also potentially be incredibly freeing. 

As part of my journey in 2025 I decided it was going to be a year of firsts. First time trying different foods, first time I put my health as a priority, first time to experience all new joys from little to big.  It’s a time to learn about new things I may not have tried in the past or even to come to a definitive answer and confirming that they are in fact things I don’t like.  You can become so accustomed to the same things and routines all the time and it’s a comfortable place to be. What you don’t realize is that if you don’t challenge yourself to try something out of your normal routine you could be missing out on something really great. 

The beauty of firsts is that they never truly end. There will always be something new to experience, a new challenge to face, a new chapter to write. And with each “first,” there’s a promise of something different, something exciting on the horizon.  So here I am pushing myself, planning and doing things I never thought I would do and experiencing things I only heard others speak about. At some point I may be able to speak more about all these new things but for now I just want to sit with it and enjoy all the wonders, learnings and fulfilling all these new firsts. 

So, as you move through life, embrace the unknown. Welcome the discomfort of unfamiliar experiences, and remember that with every first there is an opportunity for growth, discovery, and joy. No matter where you are in life, there can always be a first waiting for you just around the corner, whether you’re exploring a new career, starting a new relationship, or simply trying something you’ve never done before.

Life’s firsts are not just milestones; they are invitations to step into new versions of ourselves, and the journey is always worth it so take those chances and go for those firsts. Life is often way too short, so don’t waste such valuable and precious time.

So as I experience a new first as we slowly bring January to an end, I hope anyone else on a self discovery journey finds the inner strength and courage to experience some new “firsts” of your own. 

xo LM