The question this week is a little odd: What could you try for the first time?

It’s the kind of prompt that stops you for a second. Could? Why not would? The difference between the two is subtle, but it matters. “Could” is about what’s possible. “Would” is about what you’re willing to do. One is about imagination; the other is about intention.

So maybe the better question is both — What could I try, and what would I actually do if I stopped talking myself out of it?

I could try learning to play guitar. I could start sketching again, even if it’s just doodling between grading papers. I could write that short story that’s been sitting in my notebook for years. I could even try a dance class with Daryl — though that might test the limits of her patience and my coordination.

But what would I do? That’s the harder question, isn’t it? Because it means narrowing the dream down to something real — something you might actually follow through on. For me, it might be saying yes more often. To spontaneous moments. To invitations that pull me out of my routine. To letting go of the constant need to plan everything down to the minute.

There’s freedom in “could.” There’s courage in “would.” And somewhere in between is the sweet spot where life actually happens — the place where possibility meets decision.

Copyright © 2025 Doug DeBolt.