Life is boring.

I go to the same job every day, go home to the same house, and can predict most days of my life in advance. I long for some spontaneity, to mix it up and not know what comes next.

I could cut my hair, but that always backfires. I could paint my room another color, but I already did that.

Instead of being totally drastic and skipping town, I've made a pact to try new things, especially activities that scare me.

I like a new challenge, but I hesitate to try something that might cause a struggle. I live in a comfort zone.

Not anymore.

When I heard that a friend needed girls for her co-ed soccer team, I thought, "Why not?" and joined, disregarding my lack of experience.

I've played sports all my life but never touched a soccer ball. I am used to throwing balls and hitting them with sticks, but using my feet never occurred to me.

Before the first game I bought my soccer supplies, including knee socks that reminded me way too much of Catholic school. I don't look good in knee socks ... didn't then and still don't.

When it came to game time, I felt ridiculous and out of place, watching the other players warm up in their official soccer shorts and do tricks that I certainly never could accomplish. I knew they'd see me for an impostor and learn quickly not to pass the ball my way.

My stomach was in knots as I worried I would mess up and lose the game for the team. I didn't want to stick out in a bad way, but that was inevitable.

As I made it to the field, I focused on the sports knowledge I have and put myself in the right position. I thought if I messed up I could at least stand in the way of the other team or run alongside them.

Then a ball came to me and I couldn't avoid playing it. I miskicked it and felt like a total failure, feeling the knots clench tighter inside.

I was scared, but I kept going for it, trying to prove to myself that I could not only attempt something new but excel at it.

I have played more games since then and still have that nagging sense that I'm not that good, but then I surprise myself with a great kick, near goal or steal.

Soccer, I found, is like many of the other sports I've played. It requires coordination, skill and a lot of fearlessness.

With each game I reduce my fears and take the game head on, not hesitating for a moment.

I know it's just a sport, but it makes me feel even more ready to tackle on anything new especially something that frightens me.

Anyone want go skydiving?

Laura Lewis is an adventurous newlywed who has loved, lost and doesn't mind sharing. Her column appears every other Thursday.