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Recently I was talking to a friend when she started listing all the things she wanted to do this summer. Swimming, paddle boarding, sailing, even water skiing! It all sounded really great! Ambitious yet doable! Then she said that the water skiing might not happen because she’s only done that once in her life! LOL! But it got me to thinking…sometimes we need to consider doing DIFFERENT things…NEW things…for lots of great reasons! Warm summer months inspire us because they allow for more opportunity to do a bunch of different outdoor activities. This is especially true for those of us who live in places that it’s warm only half the year. Personally, I strive to get outside all year round! But for most of us, it’s the summers that ignite our playful mindset and childlike mentality. We are more carefree, yet authentic, about what we really want to do, not just what we think we should do. Is it going to be all talk and no action? Are we going to let another summer slip away? OR, will we actually set out to DO some of these things? Think about that for a minute… Can we seize this moment? What are some things you’ve been wanting to do this summer, or for a while now? For me, I’d like to swim to the float, get out on a boat, learn more about Excel spreadsheets, plan a trip to Spain. Immediate and future wishes, yes. They are easy to identify. But what about the stuff we STOPPED thinking about? What have we relegated to the “never” or “never again” pile? Did we convince ourselves too soon? Maybe it’s time to revisit these. I never like to say never. Maybe you’re the same. For me, the “not my first choice” list currently includes hiking, singles tennis and kayaking (no judgment please). OK, I need to revisit my list! But I highly doubt I’ll agree to go apple picking…EVER! What does your list look like? Here’s an assist, for some NEW and DIFFERENT things, to get the wheels turning: -Read a totally different category of book from your norm. -Listen to a whole new genre of music or podcast. -Learn a new app or computer application (maybe the one that intimidates you the most). -Let go of some control, delegate work to a virtual assistant (shameless plug, but I can help!). -Try a new food, wine, beer, cocktail or mocktail. -Play a new sport, game, instrument. -Build ANYTHING from scratch. -Book a trip you never thought you would take. -Give another chance to ANY dislike from the past. WHY might this be beneficial? -You will discover new passions and interests you might have never known otherwise. -There’s personal growth in acquiring new skills and knowledge. -You’ll be stepping out of your comfort zone, increasing confidence, adaptability and resilience. -This stimulates creativity and innovation. -You could meet all sorts of new people! -Doors will open to unexpected opportunities, life paths you never knew about or considered. Why not take advantage of this perfect time to step into NEW and DIFFERENT things? Why not invigorate, stimulate and refresh life with adventure, motivation, and a renewed perspective. Interior connection that is authentic can bring fulfillment and happiness. Yes, happiness! When we are rightly connected to ourselves, we simply connect better with others. It’s the way we were meant to be. And it’s a beautiful thing! Let’s be open to this, to discover what is NEW and DIFFERENT with US! |