Manassas Park Community Matters Blog Post - Go Ahead, Try Something New! – By Tony Thomas

One of my favorite quotes is by an unknown author, it simply states “Don’t fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have and should have.” This quote resonates with me and speaks volumes because it talks about the importance of not being scared to try new things. So many times we get comfortable and complacent with our daily routines and lives that we forget to live a little and step out of our comfort zones. There is nothing wrong with the sense of normalcy that life brings you day in, and day out, but there should also be an element to life where you are willing to try something new and further develop yourself.

I have been inspired to write this post because several of my friends have started accomplishing feats that many of them would not even thought they were capable of several years ago. I have a friend that could not run a mile a few weeks ago, and now she has signed up for a half marathon after completing her first 5k this past weekend. I have other friends who have started their own business this year, gone on life-changing trips, received their master’s degree and have done so much more. All of these great accomplishments started as a far-fetched dream that they were all too scared to make a reality, or for some reason or another thought they did not have the willpower to accomplish. Fast forward a couple of years, and what they thought they could not accomplish, they now have. As the quote mentions, it’s sad to look back on a moment in time and think that you could have done something, only if you have tried.

There is something exhilarating about trying something new for the first time later in life, whether it’s trying a new food, running a 5k, studying a foreign language, traveling to a new place or meeting new people. Life is all about experiences, and I am learning that you cannot create experiences if you do not simply try. This summer I encourage you to try something new at the Manassas Park Community Center. Whether you are 12 or 92, we have something to offer you. If you never learned how to swim…participate in swimming classes, you want to get fit…attend bootcamp, zumba, or workout with a personal trainer…you want to learn how to bake…take a class with the Aubergine Chef…you want to be a photographer…Mollie Tobias Photography will teach you how to do that.

These are just some of the examples of classes that we offer at the Manassas Park Community Center. We have over 500 programs this summer for school age kids to senior citizens. Whether you want to learn to line dance, how to become more efficient in using the computer, or simply meet new friends, the Community Center is the place to make it happen. Our tagline is ‘Shaping the Future’ and I wholeheartedly believe that is what we are doing. We are not just shaping the future of the youth, but we can help shape your future. Whether it is your journey to personal health, financial stability (money management classes), or mental health with the abundant array of classes and programs that we offer, I’m positive that you will be able to find something new and exciting that you have never done before.

There is a sense of achievement and pride when you accomplishment something you did not think was possible. I recently attended one of the bootcamps here at the Community Center, and to end the class the instructor wanted everyone leave with doing at least two pull-ups. The woman who was in line next to me swore there was no way that she would even be able to get off of the ground and wanted no part of participating in this exercise before the class departed. I convinced her to at least give it a try, and lo and behold, she was able to do 10. The feeling of amazement and self-pride she had made her feel accomplished and proud. That very feeling of being proud of ourselves is something that we should never stop chasing. One is never too old learn and try. Trying is the essence of life.

If you have not done so yet, I encourage you to give the Manassas Park Community Center a try, and we can help shape a better future together.

Thanks for reading, and here’s to hoping for a wonderful summer!

Tony Thomas is the Recreation Services Supervisor of the Department of Parks and Recreation. He can be reached at 703.335.8872 or via email at t.thomas@manassasparkva.gov

Community Matters is a blog created by the City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation. The blog features program updates, announcements of new services, special event notices, or information of general interest.