By: Dallin Rahlf 

Have you ever been afraid to try something new? Whether you were 9-years-old, shaking atop the high dive at your neighborhood pool, hoping to get the weight of courage that would tip the scales of you finally making the jump, or being 28 and keep saying to yourself, "Maybe NEXT week I'll learn how to invest my money." Trust me, I've experienced many a time in which I felt I was not ready to take the leap forward. And it wasn't even with anything like, life changing. It would be something like trying a new pair of headphones or starting a new show that wasn't founded by Michael Schur. Silly things like that which seem totally harmless, but I stand amazed at hoe often I've had my mind say, "Nah, don't try something new. Stick to what you know. It's safe there. I bet there's some Oreos. Go find them."

You know why my mind suggested Oreos? BECAUSE THAT'S THE SAFEST DESSERT. Why didn't it suggest something I haven't tried? Oreos with the peanut butter? Lemon meringue pie? One of those fruit tart things you see in bakeries? It didn't because it's what I know. And while it's safe, don't my taste buds deserve to embrace a change and discover a sweet snack that I may enjoy even more than Oreos? The answer is, YES. Yes they do. 

When it comes to trying out new things, especially with things that pertain to entertainment, it can be a little daunting. Products and services in the entertainment industry are usually a tad pricey for my tastes, which directly affects whether or not I want to go out of my way for something new. That's why I truly love being a part of the GetOutPass. 

The GetOutPass is an awesome fun pass that allows families and friends to try new activities without worrying about the financial burden of discovering new things to do. This may seem like something that isn’t for everyone—perhaps just the extroverts and the outdoorsy types. Let me explain to you why this pass is for you through a quick story.  

When I was 16 years old, I had been playing football and basketball for 10 years. I loved these two sports, and once I established myself in them, I didn’t really care to try anything new. My best friend Jake had been playing some random sport called lacrosse all his life. He would tell me how fun it was and that I should try it. I didn’t really feel like it, seeing that I had already been doing well in two other sports. I figured it would be a waste of time to try an entirely different kind of sport right in the middle of high school. He assured me that I would love it. Sure enough, I tried it and fell in love with lacrosse. Everything about the game was awesome. I remember, at the end of my senior year, recalling that lacrosse wasn’t even on my radar just a couple years earlier. I thanked Jake for encouraging me to try something new. He gave me a love for a sport that I would have never considered without him. Looking back, I see that I discovered a lot about myself in that time. These are precious memories and traits that I hold on to and cherish.

In direct relation to the GetOutPass, this experience taught me that there are things that I don’t even know about myself. I think about my experience with lacrosse and I realize that I would be super sad if that had never happened. I couldn’t image not experiencing it—it’s simply a part of me now, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. 

This is what the GetOutPass is all about: discovering new things about yourself. The pass provides a wide range of activities for you, your friends and family to try. There’s tons of fun to be had at places you may have never even dreamed of considering before (much like myself with lacrosse). Have you ever tried an escape room? I would never have thought to do that without the pass. I did it once and I loved it. Have you ever tried ax throwing? Me neither, again, until I was on the pass. Turns out it’s like, super fun. The pass has these activities and dozens more from local, wonderful venues. 

Get out and try some new places and discover the new you!