You may have heard that trying new things can make you happy, but have you ever considered trying old things in a new way?
Doing the same things, in the same way, has its benefits. It also has its limitations.
Let me explain.
People take things for granted. Not just things, but people and experiences too.
Over time, what used to excite us becomes routine. We become numb to all the little nuances that used to make us feel so special.
Like kissing each other goodbye, going out to dinner, and just about everything.
It’s part of our human experience, but it doesn’t have to be.
Recently my grandsons asked if they could eat their dinner under the table.
Initially, I felt resistant to the idea of them having dinner in this new way.
Then I thought, “what’s the worst that could happen?”
Their old dinner in a new place was a HUGE hit.
They giggled, explored, and celebrated their new adventure.
I had NEVER seen them enjoy their dinner more.
It got me curious about my own life. What old things could I do in a new way?
I started with my morning routine. Instead of doing yoga in the morning, I decided to try it at lunchtime instead. I also moved my evening reading to the now available morning slot.
Guess what? I loved the change.
The mid-day yoga gave me more focus and energy to finish my workday. Reading in the morning helped to jumpstart my brain, I no longer needed to re-read chapters because I wasn’t falling asleep.
I was so inspired by experiencing old things in a new way, I kept going:
Brushing my teeth with my non-dominant hand
Taking a new route on my way home
Buying clothes using an online service
Taking client calls standing up
Calling people instead of texting
Most were a hit, some were not.
Trying old things in a new way teaches us about ourselves, pushes our boundaries, humbles us, and empowers us, all in one fell swoop. That’s why it’s so important to just give it a go.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Find a new way to tell someone you appreciate them
Try out a new way of being physically active
Find a new way to help or support a cause you care about
Make a meal using a recipe or ingredient you never used before
Drop me a comment and tell me what you think. I’d love to hear from you!
