Just To See If I Could

As I think about it, I've pretty much been looking for things to do that challenge myself- doing things just to see if I could do them. When I was teen ager, I used to go "booney driving." We put our selves and our car in situations just to see if we could get through it.

After I was married and living in Kentucky, I started doing projects on the house as much for adventure (just to see if I could do it). Then I bought a '49 Cadillac mostly to see if I could restore it.

Then I took a job in sales just to see if I could suceed as a salesman. I intentionally avoided being a technical guy even though I am better suited as a technical guy.. I wanted to see if I could sell.

I got interested in shooting IDPA, just to see if I could.

Then riding motorcycles - just to see if I could. I took trips and went places, just to see if I could. I did have more places I wanted to go, but my wife and dad didn't want me to. I wanted to see if I could be one of those guys who could ride all over the place. Its not as easy as it sounds when you factor in weather, and packing everything on a motorcycle. But I did it.

I bought a sailboat to see if I can learn to sail. I've always dreamed of being one of those guys who can sail any place.

As I think about this aspect of my life, maybe I'm constantly looking to see if I can do things as a way to confirm my manhood or my self worth. I need to know that I can do some of these manly things.