It’s hard to believe that it’s almost the end of the summer. Even harder to reconcile with the fact that I had wasted years of summers in the city not doing much.

Was I really comfortable in my own little bubble? Was I too afraid to branch out and try something new?

The last time I went to a meetup was at least a decade ago, for work. Yes, it was a networking event. I only discovered recently that you could also join meetups for fun.

Then one night when I was again contemplating the meaning of life, I decided to stop thinking and start living. So I made an impulse decision and went to a hiking meetup the second day.

And guess what? I couldn’t have hoped for a better experience. I made new friends and now we’re making new plans.

Just like M said, every day is different, and you just need to take it as it comes.

I also started trying a tennis social app. For years, I was hoping to find a friend or a romantic partner who would want to play tennis with me. No avail, and now I play with strangers. Fun!

I may not always get what I want, but what I have found outside my comfort zone sure is pretty great.