Taking Risks : Trying Everything

I’ve always been a firm believer in trying everything that even remotely interests you — and I don’t mean just sampling a new dish or browsing a new playlist. I mean really trying. Like, fall-on-your-face, sweat-through-your-shirt, maybe-even-regret-it-a-little kind of trying.

There’s this quote I’ve remembered since I was a competitive figure skater. And the funny thing is, I made myself remember it — not because it was deeply philosophical or written by some ancient poet, but because I wanted to sound “cool” if anyone ever asked me what quote I lived by. You know, like when you pretend there’s an imaginary VOGUE camera crew following you around asking the 73 Questions?

Anyway, the quote was:

"Take the risk. Take the fall. Because in the end, it’s worth it all."

And let me tell you — that quote got me through a lot. Especially in skating.

There was a time I kept “popping” my jumps. For non-skaters, that’s when you get scared mid-jump, panic, and basically abort the mission halfway through. It looks awkward, and worse — it loses you points. Ironically though, falling after a full attempt can actually score you more points than not trying at all. That concept stuck with me.

Because it’s not just about skating. It’s about life.

There are so many things we hold ourselves back from — complimenting someone we pass on the street, applying to that dream program, speaking up when we know we should. All because we’re scared of what might happen if it goes wrong. But what if it goes right?

That quote taught me that rejection is survivable. Embarrassment passes. But regret? That lingers.

Trying Everything (Even the Weird Stuff)

Somewhere along the way, that “try everything” mindset became my personality. And no, I don’t mean that in a flaky way — I mean it in a deeply curious, deeply alive kind of way. I’ve always wanted to experience things not just to do them, but to learn from them. And I mean everything.

• I kept skating because... why not?

• I tried ice dance because I was tall enough — and shockingly, it worked out.

• I learned cello for over 10 years (Am I a prodigy? No. Can I still play? Absolutely.)

• Ballet and gymnastics? Check.

• English riding? Since childhood — and yes, I found a way to keep doing it in Japan.

• Boxing and MMA? Joined the club in college. Unexpectedly empowering.

• Dance? Four years of university club life, eventually teaching choreography — and building real confidence on stage.

• Might I add, literally auditioning to be Miss Universe Japan

Then it got a little more... random.

I learned how to make a leather handbag. I made handmade paper. Mastering sourdough bread. Bouquets. Jewelry. A doll. I even learned how to fix gloves and sew in case of a future emergency (or an oddly specific apocalypse). Preserving food. Homestead lifestyle in case of the world ending. I learned how to knit — because you never know when that’ll come in handy. I picked up camera editing, color grading, bought my own camera, and now I shoot videos for other people.

I once learned an entire song someone loved on the piano just to play it for them. I learned to persistently email famous people just to get their signature — and it worked.

And through all of this, I heard a phrase more than once:

"You’re doing too much."

In fact, a Miss Universe judge told me that. (With all due respect, I think I’m doing just enough.)

Because here’s the truth: I’m not listing these things to brag. I’m listing them because I’m proud — not of the results, but of what I’ve learned through the process.

I learned how to stitch, fix, build, and create.I learned how to be resourceful.I learned that if you email someone 21 times, you might just get a response.I learned that curiosity builds skills — and that skills open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Connecting Through Curiosity

I also learned something even more important: that trying new things connects you to people.

When I was learning photography, I had no clue where to start. So I asked anyone holding a professional-looking camera. I’d strike up conversations with strangers, ask questions, and just listen. You’d be surprised what people are willing to teach you — if you’re open enough to ask.

Languages? I started learning them not just for myself, but for others. Sometimes to connect with a partner’s family. Sometimes to understand coworkers better. And now, I love throwing in phrases in Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, and Sign Language (ASL) during conversations — just to watch someone light up. That split second of surprise builds an instant bridge.

So, What’s Next?

Right now, I’m in another chapter — one where I’m more drawn to entrepreneurship, fashion, and learning about finance. Will I master all of it? Maybe not. Will I try anyway? Always.

That’s the whole point.

I don’t claim to be an expert in everything I do — but I know how to start. And that’s often the hardest part.

So if you’ve ever been told you’re “doing too much,” maybe that just means you’re living wide. If there’s something tugging at your heart — a craft, a language, a recipe, a new skill — try it.

Take the risk. Take the fall.

Because in the end, it really is worth it all.

Always with love,

Kaya