Try Something New in 2021!

First things first. I would like to wish you all good health, happiness, and a 2020 that includes YOU doing something that is new or different. 

As it is a new year, it is also a new decade. What a great reason to be adventurous and try something that you have always wanted to do!  

Sometimes trying something new will add a spark to your life; it can help keep you motivated and inspired! Give us that vitality we need; especially as we are getting older!

However, it can also be a little scary and unfamiliar.

Here’s the thing, adding something new to your day, week, month, or year has many amazing benefits.  And once you do it, and experience the benefits, you will want to do it again!

Some of the benefits are:

• A sharper mind and better memory. It sparks your brain as it becomes involved in learning and as you grow older this is extremely important!
• Increased creativity as you are being moved out of autopilot and stepping into the unknown.
• Improved social life as you meet new people who are doing the same activity. It is always fun to get together with others and share a few laughs and have some good discussions.
• Increased happiness whether or not you master it. Just doing it has a tremendous affect.  And, it can prevent loneliness or depression.
• Sense of pride and accomplishment. Maybe it is something you always wanted to try and never did for one reason or another. Why not do it now!

To  begin with, it can be anything. It can be long term or short term.  It is anything that is new to you.

For example:

• Learn a new language
• Take photography lessons
• Join a book club
• Take up a new activity: golf, fishing, archery, walking, dancing, yoga, swimming, etc. 
• Go up in a hot air balloon!
• Play a new instrument such as a guitar (this is one that I will tackle this year)
• Try a new recipe or take a cooking class
• Start doing crossword puzzles or sudokus or jigsaw puzzles
• Here’s a great one.  Start doing things you currently do differently.  
  
  For example: brush your teeth with your opposite hand, chew your food 20-30 times, take a different route to work or your friends place, bike instead of walk, sit in a different spot at the dinner table or when watching TV (this is not as easy as it sounds. Have fun with it!)

Basically, what you are doing, is enhancing your daily routines with something a bit different!

Maybe this new thing will become a daily ritual or maybe it will only last for a day or for a week or two, Just know that your body, brain, and your overall being will be so happy you are doing this!  

And remember, action is what counts not results.  So whether you excel at something or not does not matter, it is the action of trying that is important!

I am a firm believer in the power of trying something new and completely understand the fear factor of moving out of your comfort zone. 

One particular example is when I had to walk on stage in heels and a bikini for a figure competition.  It was so far out of my comfort zone. For anyone who knows me, I have always been a strong competitor in team sports and I was the tomboy that played road hockey, football, etc. with all the guys. 

When I had to walk on stage for the first time, I shook so hard (I thought I would fall off my 5” heels!) and felt so not myself that I almost gave up on it.  

However, I did continue and am now very thankful for the experience; the people I met, the self-esteem and confidence that I gained, and knowing that I persevered.

Now, I have decided to try my hand at playing the guitar.  I am really looking forward to it!  I will not be playing in a band anytime soon and that is okay as it is not the end result.  

The end result is just doing it and enjoying it!

Here’s to trying something new. Send me an email at AnitaDuwel@live.com and let me know what you will be doing that is different and new.

Love the life you live

Anita Duwel
Certified Holistic Nutrition Coach
Certified Master Workplace Wellness Consultant
Facebook Group: Aging with Vitality  (45 and over)
Coach Anita Duwel FB Page