Trying new things….it sounds like something that your parents would say growing up. But it is much more than that. It is so easy to get caught up in our daily routines, our yearly routines…and forget about our own personal growth. Sometimes we get a little stuck in the way that things are. But one thing that I am a huge believer in is CONTINUED PERPETUAL GROWTH. Always learning and trying new things is a way that we can continue growing and investing in ourselves.
Are you stuck?
The problem with trying new things (especially as we get older), is that it is hard! We are stuck in our old way of doing things. And that’s okay. BUT…. trying new things can be fun! It can help you to meet new people, learn new skills, and open up a creative side that you may not know that you have.
Personally, I am a creature of habit. If things stay the same way, in the same place, in the same routine, well it helps to keep my anxiety in check. That is good in many ways for me, creating a calm environment. But trying new things is something that I do occasionally. It helps to keep life interesting and a little less boring. Take a look at my post on wandering to get some ideas on giving yourself the space to discover new things.
What kind of new things?
When I say “trying new things”, this literally could be in any area of your life. When I was a new mom and returned to work, things were stressful trying to adjust to that new life where literally every second of your day is dedicated to others. One thing that I did during that time in my life was to take a short-term cake decorating course. I wanted to be able to make fun birthday cakes for my new little one, so found a six-week course at a local craft store and signed up.
How did I find the time? I sat down with my husband and explained that I really needed that hour a week to myself and needed him to take charge. He did, I took a friend, and for an hour a week made and decorated cakes. I’m not going to lie. Some of them weren’t the prettiest and I got a little crazy purchasing new cake decorating supplies. But it was fun!
And for that time in the class, it was time for just me. To learn something new and get my creative juices flowing. This is something that I desperately need because my job as an accountant doesn’t allow for much creativity. So, I have to seek out those opportunities outside of work.
Do you have to commit?
Of course not! I didn’t become a professional cake decorator. But I did learn a few new tricks and even the ugly “learning” cakes tasted good! My family and coworkers would look forward to me bringing in that week’s practice cake.
That class is just one example of trying new things. Over the years I have taken classes in interior design, web development, photography, learned to roller blade, and learned watercolor painting. Just like the cake decorating class, these were all so much fun. I learned a few new things, sometimes had a friend take the class with me, and met lots of new people. I typically find new ideas for classes to take through the local school system’s adult education classes, and also local colleges. There is truly an abundance of options.
While taking classes is a great way to learn new things, it is not a necessity. You can literally try one small new thing each day or each week. Go a different way than normal. Talk to someone new. Eat something new. Wear something new. Do a new puzzle or game that you are not used to. Try a new exercise. Get out of the house. Try any new thing! It is that easy. And I promise you that I will open up new doors, and keep your mind going strong.
What does trying new things do for you?
Other than helping to open up your creativity, there are many benefits of trying new things. One thing is that it can add to your skillset. So, when you are looking for a new job, evolving in the ever-changing world of technology, you will be adding new skills to your resume. Another benefit of trying new things is that it can help you to overcome your fears. Let’s face it, everyone has fears in one form or another. And there is no better way to get past those than trying new things. As you realize that you can do new and different things, you will be able to work to get past fears.
I will admit that over the years, I have had to work through some fears of the unknown, and still have some on the list (hello heights!). But I try not to let that fear of heights keep me from trying new things. For example, even though I was petrified, my husband and I once went on a hot air balloon ride. I was so afraid to do it! But I did it anyone and it was amazing. We spent more than an hour in the air floating around, looking at beautiful landscapes and other hot air balloons (we were at a festival). Afterwards, we sat on the side of a mountain and ate cheese, crackers, and wine. And guess what? I don’t like wine, but I tried something new and had some anyway.
How does this help you?
Trying new things will require you to dig deep and find some bravery, discover new things that you like, and possibly open new doors for you. Once you can push past the fears, the confidence boost will take you far. Other benefits of trying something new will help you to find new interests, change or expand your perspective, and fill your mind with new and interesting things. One way that I have continually explored learning new things is to make a bucket list. My original list was made in 2003 and have continually updated it. The list may never be finished, but one thing is sure, I will see and learn some interesting and fascinating things along the way. I encourage you to go forward and try new things with me. You never know what you may learn about yourself.
Mrs. Accountable
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