How often do try something new? Every year? twice a year? Monthly? I like to try something new as often as possible. If I haven't done it before, I more often than not want to try something new. What's the worst thing that could happen? I might not like the activity. I don't have to do it a second time. I have processed chickens, volunteered at Billings Farm, filled in as a speaker many times with a day or less notice, and the list continues.
In the extreme heat of July which is extending into August this year (2022) I mentioned to my husband that I would like to try to weld someday. I'm really thinking about a cool, crisp day in the fall or early winter when I can go outside by the garage and work with a warm torch. My husband was thinking, or I'm guessing at his thought process, I can help Linda make that curiosity task come true today!
It was a quick lesson from my hubby and I was wearing all the safety gear. It was HOT! It was fun too, but I would like to try it again in the fall. Who knows, I may like to make stain glass art someday. Shhhh...don't tell my husband. I have a lot of other things to finish before I start something new. My daughter gave me a wood burning book for Christmas last year. I have some practice pieces and the tools needed to try wood burning. I think it is all the textures you can create that makes me so curious. I'm waiting for a rainy day. I am currently working on a very challenging new activity which is taking all my brain cells right now. I'll let you in on the new activity very soon.
Why am I sharing this thought with you about trying something new? It is important. Hiring someone like me to talk to your residents about life; how it was, how it is and how grateful we can be is equally important. I share some fun facts during my talks. I enjoy returning 5 times to the same residential life facility with my hand made props to share and learn with my audiences. This interactive time is something very new to many people. We have common threads in our lives, and I like to share my experiences and learn something special about my audience's lives. Most importantly, I like to kick-start my audience's brain with memories that may be trying to slip away. If they are good ones, I hope to shine the spotlight on them and let you feel the joy again.
Trying something new is good for your brain. It may wake up some communication center in your brain. It may release some oxytocin and then you learn that you really like this new activity. If you hadn't tried it, you would never know. Sometimes you start something new, such as Toastmasters, for me, with the intent on learning to express myself with ease and confidence. What I learned along the way was so much more. I organized groups of people and communicated with them about goals and tasks to achieve those goals. I reviewed the results, gave presentations and not only did my Toastmasters friends learn from my experience, but the Keene community benefited financially too! I'm talking about 2019 Quilt Show Co-Chair position I held for the Cheshire Quiltlers' Guild. It was a big undertaking with lots of challenges, but a successful outcome in the end. Tonight, I have a meeting with the new chairperson and guild members to organize efforts for the 2023 Quilt Show. I love change. I'm looking forward to sharing facts from 2019 so the new team can make decisions on how they want to run the next show. It does take a lot of time and effort prior to the show, so everyone can enjoy themselves at the show. I hope newer club members will take a chance and head up a sub-committee and join the fun!
Have you tried coloring again? I know your hands are not as strong as they used to be, but maybe a marker or colored pencil, or watercolor pencil will feel like therapy and make your hands feel better. I colored with my kids when they were toddlers. I bought coloring books for Bethany when she went off to college. All her housemates enjoyed an evening of coloring now and then. It is a great stress reliever.
How long has it been since you tried something new? Let me encourage you to take a risk and go for it! Take a tour, trip, paddle, tea in a tearoom, craft night at home with neighbors, in a bar, weld, quilt, sew, bead, rock climb, teach a class, give a talk or anything else. I'd like to put another shameless plug in here... hire me! There I did it.
In my next blog post I'll tell you about another big project I've been working on. It requires a learning curve. I'm a lifelong learner so that's ok with me.
Linda Ramrath
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