As the seasons start to change and spring is in the air, my mind focuses on growing + newness. There are seasons of life where I feel stagnant. During these times, I am not taking on new challenges, learning new skills, or pushing myself to grow.
The monotony of life takes over, muscle fatigue sets in, and life takes on a dullness. This is a wake up call to challenge myself in new ways to grow. Breathe new life into my days. It takes courage to reflect on my current circumstances and be willing to put in the effort to change.
There is always room for growth and personal improvement. Some ways that I try and bring new life into the daily grind:
- Trying new food
- Learning a new hobby
- Taking a class
- Traveling
- Joining new communities
- Just doing the unexpected
New cuisine
This was my first time eating Octopus-Korean Barbecue & Rabbit Liver Truffle
Growing up I was a picky-eater. I had a very limited number of foods that I would eat, none of my food could touch while on my plate, and any dish that was a casserole wasn’t going in my mouth. Over time, I have grown out of these idiosyncrasies.
Mike and I enjoy trying new international cuisines. Some of our current favorites are sushi, Thai, and Indian. I try everything once before I decide if I enjoy it. By doing this, I have expanded the foods I like and also desire to learn more about people from different cultures.
We have binged watched Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown to get an inside view into the way other people live. Something as simple as trying new food has led to a deeper understanding of other cultures. This drives more interest in seeing the world through a different perspective.
Top 5 Ethnic Restaurants in Chicago
Join a New community
My weekdays are very routine. One Monday looks pretty much like the next. The girls and I would look forward to our Thursday afternoons because we would meet up with another homeschool family for swimming or hiking. Our Thursdays were shaken up quite a bit when this family moved away from the area.
There was an immediate hole in our life when this family moved that needed to be filled with community. I am an introvert and a homebody so I knew that I would have to make a concerted effort to build a new community for the girls and I during our homeschool days.
Thankfully, it wasn’t long after I started looking for a new group that I was approached about joining a Wild + Free Group. This community is exactly what I was looking for as they hike twice a month with the kids and have gatherings for the moms as well.
It isn’t my natural inclination to join groups but I am so glad I was willing to be part of this community as it has been a huge blessing. Connecting with other women and watching the kids form new relationships has helped us grow into better people.
Learn a new skill
My girls + I are at our best when we are working together in the kitchen. It may not sound like it as we are all busy questioning where ingredients went, who has the measuring spoons, or whether or not an ingredient was already added to the bowl.
When I get the opportunity I like to freshen up my baking + cooking skills. It is energizing to learn how to make something new that takes a bit more patience or expertise. In the past, I have taken a class on how to make macaroons with some of my great friends. I had all the intentions on coming home and baking up lots of macaroons but it just didn’t happen.
I have also taken classes that focused on appetizers, seasonal desserts, and cake decorating. I enjoy taking these classes with other women or my own daughters. I always come away with tips on how to be a better cook or baker. It helps me get out of my dinner routine and adds new flavors to our meals.
Wrapping up
At times I just get caught in a rut, I need to challenge myself to try new things. Growing through the mundane and freshening up different areas of my life makes our home more vibrant.
It takes courage to make changes. It takes courage to put yourself out there and engage with new people in new communities. It takes courage to go to a class where you don’t know what to expect.
It takes courage to try new things. I have been trying on lots of camo since I “needed” to add some to my wardrobe. When I was trying on a camo top, my girls commented that they just can’t picture me in camo. A few days later I picked up a pair of cute camo pants and now they are a staple. So go out there and do the unexpected.
In what area would you like to grow?
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