DON'T STAGNATE!
Life is short, and reaching the half way point has been a real eye-opener for me. I saw I had stopped growing and was pretty close to stagnating. Sitting still and assuming there is "nothing new under the sun" to quote Solomon - is the worst thing we can do with the lives we've been given. When you feel like this it's time to step out and try something new.WORK
I sat in a job for several years longer than I should have because I thought it was all I was entitled to. Day after day, week after week, month after month - and eventually year after year, giving my best for someone who didn't appreciate my skills or talents. It sucked me dry until I finally reached the point of leaving.The funny thing is that I had underestimated myself - I thought there would be nothing new out there - WRONG! - I found a new job and a new direction with better working days and better pay. If I hadn't taken the risk and jumped I'd still be miserable today.
PLAY
While I was deciding what to do with my life, I took a trip down memory lane and what was old became new again. I went out and bought a bicycle. I hadn't ridden a bike for decades, but once I got back on and tootled off around the neighbourhood, I felt like I'd been riding all my life - and it was so nice to feel the wind in my face and to not think about anything other than pedalling down the path.
CREATE
I am not a very creative person, but I've always had a secret yen to learn stained glass and leadlighting. I saw an ad in our local newspaper and my husband bought me a series of classes for my birthday. I found out I actually really enjoyed it and went from my simple first project on to making a stained glass railing for our staircase.EXPERIMENT
I'm not very experimental in my approach to life, but last year I took a bit of a dive into something a little out of my comfort zone and tried a different approach to curing the horrendous headaches I have several times a week. I took myself off to a piercer and had my daith pierced - definitely not something I'd do every day, but it has made a significant improvement - I'm down to one mild headache a fortnight these days - it was definitely worth trying something new and a bit "out there".TAKE A RISK
When something new comes along we can choose to ignore it and stay safe in our little world, or we can choose to take a risk and embrace the opportunity being offered. I know I'm going with the latter because it is opening up my life every time I try something new. I want to be active and interesting and engaging - and none of those come from staying safely in the same place for the rest of my life.Have you tried anything new lately?
See you tomorrow for O which is for Owning Who You Are.
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Hi, Leanne - I love that you believe yourself not to be 'creative' or 'experimental,' but you have taken the risk to experiment and create....and share it with us. I am finding your A-Z Challenge Posts to be very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThe daith piercing was new to me but if it works, why not? Very true, in life one must take a few risks. After all fortune favours the bold.
ReplyDeleteWow. You are amazing and setting a wonderful example for many. Did you know there is a blog link up called I Blog On Tuesdays which is for newly published posts? I am a commenter there. It only stays open for most of the hours of the Tuesday each week. Your post tomorrow would be ideal. The page which hosts it is www.kyliepurtell.com and it's an Australian community where people comment too!! Denyse x
ReplyDeleteI totally agree in trying new things, taking risks and getting out of your comfort zone. That's how we continue to grow :)
ReplyDeleteYou know me, I love trying new things. But I find it strange that you say you're not creative yet have this blog that you post to regularly. That's creative, but I'm glad you found another outlet for your creativity!
ReplyDeleteLove this post for all the aspects you're writing about, stepping out of your comfort zone, trying new things, getting creative, way to go!
ReplyDeleteMy Mom recently gave me her old bicycle. Just like you hadn't ridden a bike in I-don't-even-know. Took it to the shop for an overhaul and really looked forward to pick-up day!
Happy Monday!
Great to read how revitalised you're feeling. Experimenting with new ideas can be very rewarding, loving your take in this challenge.
ReplyDeleteIt is so important to do all these things in order to avoid the monotony! And these are some great ways to charge yourself up!
ReplyDeleteCheers
BoisterousBee
I am heeding your words this morning. 9:20 AM. Send me all your thoughts :-) :-) :-)
ReplyDeleteReally enjoying your series on the topic of midlife!
ReplyDeleteI'm not buying the not creative or experimental story you are telling yourself. The proof is in this post. You make several wonderful points here. I am in my 60's and recently sold half of my stuff and move cross country to a small town. It wasn't easy, but it brought me back to life after being stagnant for a long time. Now, I am living with zest and my old friend depression has disappeared. I wholeheartedly agree with what you have to say here.
ReplyDeleteUgh. Those very words "there is nothing new under the sun"have just recently come out of my mouth. Whats a girl to do except paint the kitchen yet again? Help, I feel like all inspiration has left me...I no longer have a kids/school/sports schedule, so Im skittering all over the place and can't seem to pull anything together...I start something and stop and do something else. The thing I really WANT to do, I have no clue on how to get there. Is there a point to anything?
ReplyDeleteYour take on life is energizing, Leanne! ☺ It was brave of you to seek out a new job in midlife. Your staircase railing looks amazing and is definitely creative. Like you, I'm skeptical about most of these 'cures', but am glad the daith piercing had a positive effect. Makes me want to rethink the acupuncture idea for arthritis relief.
ReplyDeleteWhat positive directions your life has taken! Good for you!!
ReplyDeleteI started sewing again. Like riding a bike, which I do every day, a fun old skill reignited. Of course there is a blog about it coming up!
This is a great way to start my Monday! I think we do become creatures of habit and sorta close ourselves off from trying new things. Being open to saying, yes, is so freeing and energizing!
ReplyDeleteI bought a bright yellow bicycle a couple years ago. Just looking at it cheers me, and riding it even more so.
ReplyDeleteI looked at your post about the stained glass stair rail. Oh my goodness, it's gorgeous! I love Calla Lilies.
Trudy @ Reel Focus
Food in Film: Nacho Cheese-flavored Chips
Having new experiences not only keeps life interesting but we learn and grow. I also felt like you about my self worth and underestimated my abilities. I stayed in a job way to long because I thought no one else would want me. What a waste but at least I finally took the leap and never looked back. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI always love your cheerful aspect and positive thinking!
ReplyDeleteI don't need convincing! I love it and it's a privilege denied to many!
ReplyDeleteCarol Cassara
I saw my career as a homeschool mom coming to a close a few years before my peeps were going to graduate. I knew I didn't want to go back to the classroom as a teacher. My husband was very supportive when I shared I wanted to write. I began blogging about four years ago now. I'm so glad I did, because as my children prepare to graduate from high school this year I have another path already started and I'm eager to jump in with both feet. It makes me less sad about them leaving and growing up.
ReplyDeleteOn the one hand, I am getting close to retirement and I think "now what?" On the other hand, I have my autistic brother in law to worry about, and it's a real unknown quantity. But it can't be my sole focus, either. I have a lot to think about. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteGood on you. Way to go! I love trying new things and challenging myself, however without stressing myself.
ReplyDeleteI particularly loved your point about work - and the courage to finally leave a job that didn't fit right anymore and how it worked out better in the end. I've experienced similar in not quite mid-life and have supported friends going through the same. I love the "grab the life you want" feel of what you write here. I try to do that now. And will continue moving forward. - Louise
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty much the spirit of my #festivalof50 this year - try new things and hopefully discover new joys!
ReplyDeleteI love trying new things. I don't think there is a craft I haven't attempted. PS - Your stained glass railing is gorgeous!
ReplyDelete