July Try Something New

Try Something New
Wanted: Individuals willing to plan, strategize and set your sites on a new accomplishment
Benefits: Massive improvements in physical well-being, mental acuity and motivation as well as a full portfolio of fun.

Summer is finally in full force and the living is easy. Do you notice how during summertime everything seems promising and more alive? The plants are in full bloom, the sun feels glorious on your skin and the longer days give you boundless energy making you feel anything is possible. Summer offers us more time than any other season to step back, restore, renew and revive. 

Why not harness this energy, ride the wave of summer and try something new? We often get stuck in routines, either for the sake of efficiency or out of fear of unfamiliar territory.  Fear and excitement have the same physiological expression in our bodies; it is our mind that classifies it as one or the other. Next time the mind says, “scary!” see if you can re-frame it as, “exciting!” How can you make this a memorable summer by shifting into a different gear? Hang up your sign “Closed for Renovations” and set out to try something you have never done before, or something you have wanted to do for a long time. If you're not sure what that something might be, lie down ofn the grass and stare at the clouds, or take a walk on the beach.  Creating "daydream" space will give you the clarity to see what you might like to do.

Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results. Repetitive behaviors not only stagnates our minds, but our bodies and hearts as well. Increasing natural sources of newness and excitement in your life can decrease your need for and dependence on artificial stimulants like caffeine and sugar. Your increased vibrancy might just be infectious.

So get ready for adventure, as small or large as you wish. Just make it something you like.  Maybe it is organizing a kayak trip, taking a dance class, doing some exotic travel or setting a goal for a new personal challenge. Maybe it is playing flashlight tag with your kids and neighbors, or spending time reading in the sun. Maybe it is discovering a new vegetable and making veggie kabobs on the grill, or visiting a new town, restaurant or beach. Whatever adventure calls to you, use this summer to make it happen and enjoy the life you came here for. The more actively you participate, the more the energy of summer will be infused into your body and life.