I have, for many years, held the belief that engaging in different experiences helps us see ourselves and the world differently.
On Saturday, my boyfriend and I went to a Persian restaurant for lunch. We were the only people there who didn’t speak Arabic.
The food was incredible – full of diverse flavors and brilliant in color. I ordered Zereshk Poloe and Morgh, a rich chicken dish with currants and saffron.
This experience generated a rich conversation between my boyfriend and I. A conversation stimulated by the environment, the sights, the sounds, the smells, and the feeling of the place.
When we stay in our usual places, we tend to have the same conversations. It could be a different version but it’s usually some form of our usual conversation.
When we seek different experiences and places, even reaching for the unknown or places that may feel a bit out of our comfort zone, we shift. Our perspective changes. Our questions change as do our conversations. We are richer for it. It adds to our experience of being human in a very diverse world.
We are the ones who limit ourselves from experiencing the richness of new people, new places, new conversations, and new thoughts as our tendency is often to stay within a 25 mile radius of where we live and work. It’s ‘inconvenient’ to drive across town to check out a new music venue, restaurant, coffeeshop, park, or event.
The problem with not venturing out is that we start to numb out. We don’t notice things as we drive because it’s the same drive every day. We don’t know our neighbors because we drive right into our garages. We see the same people, talk about the same things, lather, rinse, repeat.
We, perhaps unknowingly, create a sterile environment for ourselves. Some may argue it’s easier that way because they don’t have to think but thinking is precisely what has created the most incredible inventions, cures, pieces of art, musical masterpieces, and works of great literature. We are wired to think. And we are wired to connect – with ourselves, with others, with art, music, words, design, nature, animals, events, and experiences.
The good news is you don’t have to fly to another country to create a new experience and connect with something different and new, however, it may require you traveling across town.
What is that place that you’ve always wanted to go to but never have? What’s that place you keep hearing about and you keep saying you’ll go but you still haven’t? Commit to going this week. Put it on the calendar. Go alone if no one can go with you. I’ve met some of the most interesting people when I’ve traveled alone, dined alone, and attended concerts alone. Putting yourself in a place you want to explore is powerful. You are opening yourself up to a whole new world.
Where will you venture to this week? Where do you want to explore? I’d love to hear about your mini-adventure! Let me know how it goes!
Sending you interesting conversations, rich experiences, and new perspectives,
Kori
P.S. Book your FREE Breakthrough Session if you’re ready to rewrite your story, shift your mindset and your perspective, and experience a richer life.
P.P.S. If you’re in the Denver area, check out the restaurant we went to: Darya. It’s worth the drive!