It is easy to get set in our ways. We have our routines, the food we like, the things we enjoy, the people we know, etc. And while it is wonderful to have such comfort in our lives, the very thing that keeps life interesting is its diversity. When I am in a time of great transitions in my life I seek out comfort. When I am in a time of comfort, I seek out new adventures.

Years ago after a divorce, I also had an aging car. I wanted to go up north and go hiking but I was afraid my car would break down. I had no logical reason to believe this, it was just a big insecurity. And so one day I got sick and tired of living in fear, got in the car and headed for the hills. I decided that if I broke down, someone would rescue me and God would make it wonderful. The car had been recently checked. I told some friends where I was going, and thus I drove through a doorway in my life that has provided me joy ever since. After that first hike along a trail I had already known, I purchased a guidebook for the area and every week I took a new hike. Sometimes I got lost in the forests on the side of a mountain and found beautiful spots. Sometimes I veered off the beaten trail. Sometimes I crossed a hike off my list and decided never to do it again. But more often, I was rewarded with incredible joy and places I have long since been taking others when I have the chance. Opening up to new adventures has been one of life’s greatest delights.

I try to remain open to new things in my life on a regular basis in the smallest of ways. I try new recipes when they sound good. I read books that inspire me. I have at times, asked people whom I totally disagreed with to tell me why they thought the way they did. In my job I must remain open at all times to anything the angels want to tell someone whether I personally would agree or not.

I think the biggest revelation that being open to life has taught me is that I am not who I thought I was when I was younger! I was raised to think of my strengths as my logic and intelligence. I prided myself on that! I thought that was who I was… the “smart girl.” I was an avionics engineer for eight years and did well. But as I started exploring other hobbies, I found that creativity gives me far more joy. I love making things. I love my photography. I love color. It occurred to me the other day that I am far happier being “art girl” than “smart girl” than I ever would have imagined. It is funny at this age to be learning more about my true nature. It is giving me some ideas for projects that will be a lot of fun and inspiring for others too, I hope.

So try something new that draws your attention this week, even if it is reading a new magazine, tasting a new food, going to a web site on something interesting that you never thought you could do. Have a little fun opening up to life and see how life then starts to rush into you, through you, and carry you to other joys!

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