As I reflect on the upcoming weekend, a sense of anticipation fills the air. It’s the calm before the storm, the last moments of an era marked by constant pain in my right hip. In just a few days, I’ll be undergoing surgery, stepping into the unknown with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

I find solace in a philosophy that has been my guiding light since elementary school—a philosophy grounded in the belief that a try is a 50/50 chance of success. Back then, I understood the power of attempting the unknown, of facing challenges head-on even when the path seemed uncertain. It wasn’t about innate intelligence; it was about embracing the numbers game of life.

My husband and I recently delved into our memories of those formative years. I shared with him my mantra of taking on assignments, not because I knew how to tackle them, but because trying was better than not doing at all. It became a catalyst for my academic success, a mindset that echoed through the corridors of time.

Now, as I stand on the brink of a medical procedure, I recall a conversation with my doctor about the potential risks of hip replacement—my leg might be an inch longer, there’s a risk of infection, and other uncertainties. Yet, I boldly declared my preference for these new problems over the relentless pain that has gripped me. It’s a choice to step into the unknown, to face the possibility of challenges with the optimism that they bring.

Life, much like my upcoming surgery, is riddled with unknowns. And perhaps, there’s a bit of a Buzz Lightyear moment in all of us—a declaration to go “to infinity and beyond.” It’s an acknowledgment that the journey ahead holds unqualified chances for success, and the key lies in taking that one measly step forward.

Is it crazy to believe in the power of trying, of stepping into the unknown with enthusiasm? Perhaps. But maybe, just maybe, it’s the kind of craziness that propels us beyond our limits and into a realm of unexplored possibilities. As Buzz Lightyear aptly put it, it’s about embracing the infinite potential that lies beyond our comfort zones.

So, as I approach the threshold of change, I invite you to join me in this venture. Let’s be our own cheerleaders, reminding ourselves that trying is not just a chance at success but a testament to our resilience and courage. To infinity and beyond—because in the face of the unknown, taking that one small step forward might be the catalyst for a life transformed.