For many of us the new year rides in on a shiny, glimmering wave of hope and determination. In my last post I welcomed the new year (anew) and I’d like to take this theme out for one more spin before it goes back in the garage or wherever ideas go when we lay them to rest.
The word “anew” appeals to me, suggesting change, evolution, self-improvement. While a whole year, 365 days, may feel a bit daunting, we can bring it down to a manageable portion: think one day at a time, each day anew. Can you get your head around keeping a sparkle on each new day?
You can do this by shaking things up, revising your routine (perhaps radically), and finding new ways of doing old things. It doesn’t have to be huge. For example, try sleeping on the other side of the bed.
Rearrange the furniture. Try new restaurants, new cuisines, new recipes. Try doing everyday tasks with your non-dominant hand and see what happens. Sign up for a class: something you’ve never done before. Though I’m not a dancer I took up Zumba in November (very fun!) and discovered that my left foot takes longer to learn dance steps than my right. Who woulda thunk it?
”The best cure for a sluggish mind is to disturb its routine.” ~ William H. Danforth
Years ago, I started switching my turbo mouse from right hand to left to see if I could do it (I can). Last summer I was forced into playing disc golf left-handed, thanks to an injured right shoulder and the results are quite impressive. I now vacuum and occasionally brush my teeth with my left hand. The latter is still a challenge, but switching hands is good for the brain.
Back to disc golf for a moment: I took up the sport in 2005, despite my lack of coordination and infirmities. I totally sucked when I began, but I now play tournaments and hold a world distance record in my age category. So what’s the point? Shake yourself up. Try something new, unfamiliar, and maybe a bit intimidating. And stick to it for awhile, even if you suck.
Simple Action: If you feel wedged in by routine, free yourself. If you yearn for a change, do it and enjoy the results. Break the mold before you harden. Try something new—the sky’s the limit.
