Season of Change

     Fall is my favorite time of year.  I love the extra coolness of my bedsheets that the crisp air brings. I love the laughter and great food that go along with celebrating Thanksgiving.  And oooooh do I love layers!  There’s nothing like a cute jacket over a fitted Tee. Yes, in my opinion, fall fashion is the best with it’s earth tones - oranges, browns, greens, deep purples…But what I love most about Fall is I view it as the season of change. And change is a GOOD thing, because with change there is GROWTH!

     I’ve been reflecting over my recent growth and came to the conclusion there is a direct correlation between that period of growth and my decision to try three new things.  At that time in my life, my youngest child was a year old.  I was bogged down by being Jamie the breastfeeder, Jamie the diaper changer, Jamie the safety patroller, Jamie the picker upper, and Jamie the all things that go along with having a surprise infant in your life.  I was finally coming out of the baby fog and was ready for change. I needed something to jump start me again…hence the decision to try three new things that had nothing to do with motherhood.

Change 1. Bikram Yoga - Hmmm, what do I say about Bikram yoga…I got one word HOT! I was burning up and the only way to get just a little relief without totally leaving was to lay completely still on my back with my arms and legs stretched out like a huge X to be sure not to trap any heat under my arms or between my legs.  Then you add in the smell!  I got another word…FUNK!  The odor of a room full of people pouring wet was almost unbearable. And, apparently the boat loads of water that I drank hours before the 90 minute workout was not enough to keep me hydrated because I suffered from a migraine and was bedridden until the next morning.  Through my experience from yoga I have learned that I can survive.  There are things in life that may be difficult but it's an unbelievable natural high when you conquer it.  Building off past success, I have grown to attack new experiences with less fear.

Change 2. Run a 5K: I mentioned running my first 5K in a past post, "Just Do It". But what I didn't describe is how grueling it was. Apparently, I signed up for the worst 5K ever for a first timer.  One of my old college friends agreed to run with me, but we didn’t know we agreed to run, as we called it, “over the river and through the woods.”  It was a non-paved course in a forest that required you to hop over puddles, skip over large tree roots, and all while avoiding tumbling down large ditches.  I’ve since put away my running shoes via doctor’s orders, but I still get the same satisfaction from walking.  Every now and then I cheat a little and push my walk up to a quick jog. For just about 30 seconds, I enjoy the wind in my face. Through running I have learned not to knock something before you try it. I have grown to embrace new experiences with an open mind.

Change 3. Read Non-Fiction books - Reading a non-fiction book is not a totally new thing. I’ve read non-fiction books in the past, but for every 20 books I read there is maybe one non-fiction.  Outside of books I had to read during college, I use reading strictly for entertainment or pleasure. And I had placed non-fiction books in the read for information bucket. I was not interested in reading for information in my free time. Now, my reading habit has totally switched.  I’m currently reading 5 books and 4 of the 5 are non-fiction. By opening myself to read non-fiction books I have learned that reading for information can actually be entertaining too. I have grown to literally not judge a book by its cover or the back flap for the matter.  

     So in the spirit of the season of change…Try something new. Growth only happens outside of your comfort zone. Push through those uncomfortable feelings associated with change.  On the other side is a world of new opportunities and new experiences.  It’s called living - living your best life!

Comments? 

What new experiences have you encountered that's brought about growth?

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