Why It's Never Too Late To Experience “Firsts”.

As a parent to two teenagers, I’m constantly on the lookout for new and exciting experiences to share with them—something that will push them out of their comfort zone, open their minds, and create those unforgettable “firsts.” Every penny I spend is with the intention of making sure they have memories that will stick with them for life, moments they can look back on and smile about long after they've flown the nest.

But here’s the thing. As parents, we’re experts at putting ourselves last, aren’t we? We focus on giving our children the world, leaving our own desires simmering on the back burner. It’s always about their experiences, their fun, their “firsts.” Well, not today. I’ve decided to break with tradition, hit the pause button on playing the selfless parent, and ask myself: what about me?

What are the “firsts” I’ve never had the chance to experience? What could I do that’s completely new and just for me—something that would give me those same rushes of excitement and leave me with fun memories? After all, life’s too short so, here’s to discovering my own adventures, even if only for a short time until I resume “dad” duties!

The Bear Grylls Shark Dive Experience

Yep! This is a bit of me. An immersive experience swimming with Sharks! Wildlife, Tick! Water, Tick! Whilst I fully appreciate that this experience is not for everyone, I am all for it and it would certainly be a “first”. I have never dived and never knowingly encountered a shark! And if I am going to, I'd rather it be in a controlled environment than off the gold coast!

Big Cat Encounter at The Big Cat Sanctuary

Ok, so we are sticking with animals here, but I'm an animal lover! To experience a Big Cat would be absolutely unbelievable and certainly a new experience for me. I am not likely to get to encounter in their natural environment as a safari probably stretches my budget too much, but a Sanctuary encounter would certainly tick that box as “done”.

The Bear Grylls iFLY Indoor Skydiving Experience

If you had asked me 10 years ago about indoor skydiving, I would have probably laughed and said something like “do the real thing”. Things have changed since, and probably my nerve has gone a touch as I've got older. I am certainly not jumping out of a plane for sure, but I would like to tick the skydive box with this indoor version!

Zip World Velocity 2 - Fastest in the World

Confession: I have done a zip line before and what an experience it was! But, I have never done Zip World Velocity which is the fastest in the world! Who wouldn’t want to say they have done the “fastest in the world” zip line. That’s why it makes my list of “firsts” despite it not technically being so.

Sicily Wine Tasting Experience

Again, another strange one to my list. I have purchased this experience a number of times, but I have always done so as a gift. However I would LOVE to do a wine tasting experience myself. Sharing a wonderful food board and sampling the variety if wines on offer! Just expressing this right now and putting it out there to anyone who might be reading – Christmas is round the corner! Hint Hint!

Chelsea FC Stadium Tour

As a Chelsea FC fan, it would be a wonderful experience to visit the stadium and do the tour. I'd love to get behind the scenes and see everything Stamford Bridge has to offer. I would love to see a match there, but with ticket prices as they are, I will take a tour of the stadium and happily tick off another “first”.

Shaun