This month’s habit is fun! It’s about getting beyond the normalcy in our lives. Typically, we do the same daily routine, eating the same menu of foods each week and performing the same activities. The routine certainly provides a sense of security, but can also make life feel mundane and stagnant. Trying a new activity may create anxiety and fear of the worst case scenario. Stepping through those fears that our minds tend to exaggerate can be a powerful experience and instill a new confidence in you. Now, I am not suggesting you climb Mount Everest, but rather experience imaginative activities on a smaller scale.
There are many benefits to trying new activities. It gets you outside of your daily routine and creates a spark in your life. New activities stimulate creativity and increase self-awareness. They change the way you view the world. They improve connections between partners, family members and friends. They even make you more marketable, as employers see the “whole you,” which is appealing.
This past spring, my kids and I went to a ropes course in Maryland called Adventure Park. The courses varied from ten feet above the ground to elevations high in the trees. I am afraid of heights so I calculated to reduce the risk and stay at the level closest to the ground. I had been there before as a chaperone for my son’s eighth grade class so I was familiar with the harnesses and safety features which gave me some comfort. Yet, traversing on suspended moving elements above ground still gave me pause. Moving through the easier elements gave me the confidence to try higher courses. We did the final course together (medium level) and helped each other through the tougher elements. It was challenging, fun, a little scary, and a great way to spend time together. We each agreed we would like to do it again.
Here are some ideas to try:
When someone invites you to an event you think you will not enjoy, say “Yes!” anyway. It might be a movie, an opera, a different restaurant, or a sporting event. You could be surprised by the experience.
2. Prepare and cook a new meal this week. Even different meals open up your life. Preparing a meal with your partner or friend is fun and brings you together.
3. Choose a new place to dine. Experiencing new restaurants opens up your palate and senses.
4. Try a new game; perhaps pickleball, badminton, cards, or a board game. Games are wonderful ways to interact with each other.
5. Visit a new town, city or site. This could be a day trip or a weekend getaway. Roll out the map and explore, there are many lovely spots locally.
6. Meet someone new today. More and more, research demonstrates that human interaction, especially in this high-tech world, is a key for happiness. Your friendly smile and greeting might lift another’s spirit and your own. Pause for a moment and chat with someone. It might be the best two minutes of your day.
7. Volunteer. Engaging in the community is a positive way to become involved and invested in your surroundings, and may give you a sense of purpose and pride.
Often, it is our minds that limit us. For example, a negative statement told to you long ago still imprinted in your brain can prevent you from doing what you really want to do. The beautiful aspect about the mind is that we have the ability to change how we think at any point in our life. Approach each day with a sense of adventure and create your own special moments daily.
“Most obstacles melt away when we make up our minds to walk boldly through them.”
~ Orison Swett Marden
Pura Vida,
Ag