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There are certain things in life that you just have to figure out. We learn to problem solve, especially in a rural area. If you can't get leeks or curry at the grocery store, you learn to improvise. We also have a lot of people here who are experts at random tasks. There are people who can hem pants or fix small car issues with ease.

I like being prepared. I like knowing what I'm getting into. If I am going somewhere new for an interview, I will look at the directions several times to make sure I know where I'm going in case there is no service for a maps app. If I'm going to a new event, I'll try to find someone who has been before so I can know what to expect.

At home, I'm getting more confident with projects. A few years ago when my kitchen was getting remodeled, my gal pals took down a wall in my house, and a month earlier installed a new floor in one of my pal's bathrooms. We had to call for help a couple times, but we did it. Memories were made.

Sometimes, though, you just have to do things by yourself and figure it out. Being single, there isn't always someone to help me. I feel pretty independent, but there are certain things that I still get pretty anxious about.

In 2023, one of my biggest accomplishments was going to the dump all by myself. I've been to the dump plenty of times, but with other people. It's amazing I'd never been there by myself. I toured the facility a lot when it was being built. I made those big signs that tell you what to put where, but I'd never taken my trash myself. I was anxious about doing it right and being efficient enough. (I've seen some people get pretty impatient waiting for other people to dispose of their trash.)

My first venture was last summer when I had a bunch of construction garbage to take to the transfer station. I had friends take a couple of loads for me, but eventually I just needed to do it myself. So I called my best friend in Tennessee, gave myself a little pep talk and just did it. The attendant was busy when I was dumping my construction trash (with the big warning that says you must pay the attendant), so being the rule follower that I am, I put some cash on the desk. I dumped my trash, left the money and was on my way. Then I made two more trips that day – all by myself.

Will this seem a little ridiculous to most people? Of course. I think it's ridiculous now that I'm a regular at the dump and have figured out the busy times to avoid and the proper etiquette for waiting to back up to the bins.

The point is, we all have challenges we're uncomfortable with facing. Some are small, like going somewhere by yourself for the first time or attempting that home improvement project. Some are larger, like taking a risk to switch jobs, end a relationship, quit drinking or smoking, or make some other significant change.

Stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on challenges, no matter how big or small, is a big deal. This year, take on those challenges and make the best decisions for you and your family. You might just learn something about yourself.

­— Annie Wooden