Try out a New You


It’s time for change. As fall is here, we’re all getting older and evolution is being foisted upon us—ready or not. Well, it’s also Halloween, so let’s play with change by embracing its child-like spirit.
As an easy way to start, why not experiment with new ways of viewing yourself? Trying on clothes in a completely new style is liberating and surprising. You just may like what you see or perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of a new you that you’d like to become. You probably think you know what you look like. Have a friend take close-up photos of you: your smile, your hands and your eyes. Even those who are camera-shy, maybe especially these folks, will gain new appreciation of themselves. You might be able to acknowledge your beauty by looking at your parts more objectively. If you’re ready to throw caution to the wind, a new haircut or tweak in color will cause you to peer in the mirror a little longer. Testing your self-concepts by altering your appearance, or the way you look at yourself, is easy and powerful. Change can be fun.
Another playful avenue to easing into change is to do something you haven’t done in years. It likely won’t take long for you to remember the joy you felt all those years ago. Head over to your local playground and swing on the swings. If, as part of becoming a grown-up, you stopped playing music, pick up your dusty, old guitar and get reacquainted. Or fully commit to being a kid. Spend time raking up the lovely fall leaves and make a really big pile. Then jump in it! By going back in time, you’ll realize how you’ve changed and understand that change doesn’t have to be permanent, so there’s no pressure.
If neither of these approaches appeals to you, or if you’re ready for more, a next step is to try something you’ve always wanted to do. Gather up some of your friends for moral support and go to a rock climbing gym. Face your fears of being in front of a large group and audition for the local theater company. Maybe you’ve heard of Reiki and are intrigued? Come in for a session to give it a try. By doing things you’ve been wanting to do, you give yourself permission to change in an exhilarating and fulfilling way.
Introducing change into everyday life is a challenge to embrace. Yes, you have to cook dinner, but it doesn’t have to be mundane. Make a lovely meal for yourself, something you’d be proud to serve guests. If you’re on auto-pilot on your way to work each day, take a different route. Maybe it won’t be especially scenic or the most expedient path, but it will help you to get to know your neighborhood and might alter the way you view it. We all bathe regularly. Instead of rushing through it to get to the next task more quickly, enjoy the scent of your shampoo and give thanks to your body for carrying you throughout life. Another element is by bringing change into your daily existence can help you appreciate your life more.
Growth and change are inevitable parts of life. Opening up to it can make it an exciting process, instead of a struggle. By doing some simple experiments to make it fun, these changes will become familiar and less frightening.