30 day "try something" new challenge - June 6, 2016
If you want to change you have to be willing to be uncomfortable. (unknown)
Over the past little while everything in my life has become so routine: wake up, go to work, go to the gym, go home, sleep. I remember the times in my life where I was so busy and involved in different activities. As much as I am an introvert, I am always looking for ways to grow and develop myself. Based on that, I decided I needed to get out of my comfort zone - just a bit though and change up my daily routine. There came the idea of a 30 day "try something new challenge". It sort of tied into my 30 day body transformation challenge that I am doing right now (don't ask how that one is going). Don't expect any daredevil stunts like jumping out of a plane or walking across fire though! My goal is to try something each day that I haven't done before. It could be something simple as trying a new workout class, sampling a new cuisine or going to a place I have never been. Either way, I heard that once you get out of your comfort zone - expect to grow. Join me as I start my 30 day "try something new" challenge from June 6th. My hope is that I can inspire others to embrace change and get uncomfortable.
Over the past little while everything in my life has become so routine: wake up, go to work, go to the gym, go home, sleep. I remember the times in my life where I was so busy and involved in different activities. As much as I am an introvert, I am always looking for ways to grow and develop myself. Based on that, I decided I needed to get out of my comfort zone - just a bit though and change up my daily routine. There came the idea of a 30 day "try something new challenge". It sort of tied into my 30 day body transformation challenge that I am doing right now (don't ask how that one is going). Don't expect any daredevil stunts like jumping out of a plane or walking across fire though! My goal is to try something each day that I haven't done before. It could be something simple as trying a new workout class, sampling a new cuisine or going to a place I have never been. Either way, I heard that once you get out of your comfort zone - expect to grow. Join me as I start my 30 day "try something new" challenge from June 6th. My hope is that I can inspire others to embrace change and get uncomfortable.
Day 1 - June 6: Today I bought breakfast for a stranger
I spent some of my Sunday trying to figure out some of the things I could do as part of my "try something new" challenge. To be honest, it's harder than I thought! Today was also hard because I have a networking event downtown Toronto this evening and my entire day is packed. My challenge today was to be nice to a complete stranger. Today I paid for a stranger's breakfast at Tim Horton's. When I told the cashier what I wanted to do, she looked at me in a strange way. The person who was on the line behind me was an elderly man, say in his 70s. He couldn't understand why I wanted to pay for his breakfast. I said to him it is part of my challenge. He was so grateful. He said, "what can I do for you?" I said, " nothing sir, you can do something nice for someone else." I am embarrassed to say that I have never done this before but I sure will do it again. It felt nice.
Day 2 - June 7: Today I started my first gratitude journal
A gratitude journal is basically a diary which lists all the things that you are grateful for. Oprah has been a strong advocate of the gratitude journal. There are so many things in our life we take for granted, so many people that we take for granted and so many situations that we take for granted. By writing down the things we are grateful for, it allows us to reflect, stay positive and realize that we are blessed in so many ways. There are a number of gratitude journal apps available for free. I used – Bliss. I will continue to use the journal for the remainder of my 30 day challenge and hopefully beyond.
day 3 - june 8: Today I took a yoga class for the first time
I will admit it, flexibility has never been my thing, that's why I have stayed away from yoga. However, tonight I tried yoga for the very first time. My learning point after the class, yoga is still not my thing. Everything was going well till people in the class were literally standing on their heads. Regardless I persevered. I got uncomfortable but I survived. Will I do it again? Maybe. I am looking forward to trying hot yoga next week though. Let's see how that goes. Namaste!
Day 4 - June 9: i tried duck roti for the first time today
Although not part of my meal plan, I tried duck roti today. One word - OMG! My face says it all. I don't think my coaches would be pleased with what's happening here but hey...I'm happy. Definitely something I will be trying again.
Day 5 - june 10: I received my advanced communicator bronze award
Today was an extremely busy day, so couldn't wrap my head around what to do for today's challenge. I received my Toastmasters Advanced Communicator Bronze award today. Although technically since I have been a member of Toastmasters for a while this doesn't exactly constitute as something new but it's the first time I received this award so, this will have to do! Ten more speeches to receive my Advanced Communicator gold award.
DAY 6 - JUNE 11: I COMPLETED MY 1ST COLOR RUN 5K RACE TODAY
The color run has been marketed as the happiest 5k run in the world. The hype surrounding the run is not so much about the run itself but the colors that get thrown at you, the music and the atmosphere. People are just happy. After today, I can definitely see why people love the color run. Definitely something I will do again. Happiness starts within. If you are not happy with yourself, don't expect others will make you happy. Now to wash off the rainbow colors in my hair!
day 7 - june 12: first drive-in movie
Last night I did my first drive-in movie. Because the movie started at 11:55 p.m, technically it counts as my something new for today. It was a new experience except that only one washroom was working and some improvisation had to take place (let's leave it at that).Now to get my movie partner to stay awake during Conjuring 2 was a whole different thing. Defintely will go again, so long as both washrooms work!
day 8 - june 13: 1st cycling class
Today I did my first group cycling class. This class was intense on it really worked my legs. I could barely walk to my car. I think I should learn to ride a bicycle first before I do any further cycling classes.
day 9 - june 14: 1st Snap!
I feel so old and outdated when it comes to social media platforms, as there is always something new. I created a snap chat account a few months ago but didn't know what to do with it, so left it as that. Today I sent my very first snap ( if that's how it is said) and I tried out the filters. The one with the dog is so hilarious!
day 10 - june 16 : I made sushi!
So I did miss a day but I am back and I made sushi tonight. Didn't come out the way I hoped but it tasted like the real deal! Don't laugh at my presentation...
day 11 - june 17: 1st plaid for dad
Ok so I am piggybacking off my workplace event but nonetheless it was my first wearing plaid for dad event. Plaidfordad is an initiative geared towards raising funds for prostate cancer research. It was fun rallying our staff to wear plaid and raise funds for the cause. Not only did 90% of our staff wear plaid but we surpassed our goal! I did not own anything plaid so had to run to purchase.
day 12 - june 18: reunited with a fellow rotaractor after 10 years
So I made a friend from St.Kitts when I was a member of Rotaract in St.Lucia back in 2005/2006 . A few years back I found out he was living in Canada and we have been promising to meet up. We finally made it happen and met up yesterday. It was great to catch up after 10 years! Not only that but I got to try a restaurant for the first time - Joeys. The food was delish! Is there anyone that you need to catch up with? Do it!
day 13 - june 19: 1st visit to royal ontario museum
I have been in Ontario for a while and hadn't been to the ROM ( blocks face). So today, I went with a friend. There was alot to see and I was tired half way through but still a very educational day!
day 14 - june 20: learnt some chinese words
I was able to get 10 Chinese words in tonight. I doubt I can remember more than 5 though.
day 15 - june 21: game of thrones
Many of my friends have been recommending Game of Thrones to me and I keep promising to catch on . Finally decided to watch season 1 or rather the first 2 episodes. The killings are so graphic though.
day 16 - june 22: 1st time cooking & eating rabbit meat
I have always been hesitant about eating rabbit meat. There is something about the Easter bunny that brings so many great childhood memories... Well today, not only did I eat it but I bought it from the supermarket, seasoned and cooked it myself. I was able to wipe away the images of the Easter bunny, long enough for me to enjoy this delicacy. Definitely will be having again.
day 17 - june 23: 1st Youth Leadership program
Sometime in March one of my Toastmasters colleague Esther requested assistance in coordinating a Toastmaster Youth Leadership program. The Youth Leadership Program is a workshop for teenagers (age 12-17) consisting of nine two hour sessions that enable participants to develop communication and leadership skills through practical experience. My first though was, to commit to an unpaid position for 9 weeks? It took me 1 minute to ponder and then I raised my hand/volunteered as tribute. But let me tell you, for the last 9 weeks, these kids have made me talk, shout, laugh, smile, clap and beam with pride. To see how they grown and how their confidence level has catapulted over the last 9 weeks is beyond amazing. Not only that but also the things that I have learnt from them. At this evening's graduation ceremony I got an overwhelming number of thank yous from students and parents alike. Tonight I will sleep contented knowing that I made a difference in the life of others. Ask yourself at the end of everyday, have I made a difference in the life of others?
day 18 - Jul 3 ( make up) first pride parade
Since I missed doing anything on that day I made up by doing 2 events on July 3. Today I attend my first Pride Parade. I didn't deliberately go downtown for the event but since I was already there I figured I might as well. Although I have never had much interest in the parade, I am always respectful of people's rights. The nudity in the streets I would say will take a little bit of getting used to for.
day 19 - june 25: on my way to becoming a certified life coach!
It's been a while since I wanted to become a Life Coach. I finally took the bold step in that direction by signing up for a life coach certification program. Am I scared? Yes! But will that stop me - absolutely not! According to one of my friends, "nothing ventured, nothing gained!" Wish me luck!
day 20 - june 26: anyone want corn bread?
Today I took a stab at making corn bread. It is very simple to make and it was something I always wanted to try. It tasted yummy too but don't tell my coach that!
day 21 - june 27: forgiveness
You know sometimes there is that one person or there could be more, who has done something and you just can't seem to let it go. If they reach out to you it spoils your entire day. Well, I know such a person. I have found it very hard to let go of this. Well,today I prayed hard about it and took the first step to reach out and say that I forgive them. I also recognize that by offering my forgiveness, I cannot bring the past up again but must look to the future. What a weight off my shoulder! Is there someone you need to forgive?
day 22 - june 28: pick an outfit with yoru eyes closed & wear it!
So on June 28 I did not complete my daily challenge but made up for it by doing 2 challenges on June 29. My cousin suggested I close my eyes, pick something from my closet and wear it. So that's what I did today. Luckily it didn't turn out so bad but I was wondering, what if I have picked something that was a total mismatch? Phewwww thank the lucky stars that didnt happen! I would look like a hot mess.
day 23 - june 29 : Hot yoga! never sweated so much in my life.
Yoga is one thing; hot yoga is another.Hot yoga is a vigorous form of yoga performed in a studio that is heated to 105 F (40 C) and has a humidity of 40 percent. The formal name for hot yoga is "Bikram yoga." I did a class this evening. It was 1 hour long. The heat was so intense. I have never seen so much sweat drip off of me in my lifetime! I think it takes some getting used to but definitely will try it again. I feel it's a bit pricey though. I paid $22 per session.
Day 24 - june 30: Yummy Avocado ice-cream
Avocado was never something I particularly enjoyed growing up but as an adult I definitely know that it is good for me. It is a big part of my daily meal plan now. I figured I could fuse ice-cream that I love plus the avocado that has good fats - so I decided to make avocado ice-cream. It was pretty simple, no need for an ice-cream maker. The ingredients included: avocado, honey, lime and coconut milk. I just had a little but my mom seems to be enjoying it.
day 25 - july 1: photo editing 101
Photo editing has never been my thing but it is necessary for social media postings. I spent my weekend playing around with some free tools that could achieve what I wanted. The only one that I really liked was gimp. It allows me to make my images opaque as well as add text to them, plus lots of other fun things. I wanted to add a logo and I spent quite some time working on it but will refine later. By adding my name I am able to protect whatever I share and an awesome way to build my brand. Lots on my mind to share!
day 26 - july 2: made it underneath the falls
day 28 - july 4: found me a mentor in my field
In my onion, having a mentor is key. I have had mentors in Toastmasters and I have mentored others but I never had a mentor linked to my career. A good mentor will allow you to grow, encourage you and help to surface key kills that may not have surfaced. I am happy to say that I am looking forwarding to meeting my mentor next week. If you haven't found a mentor, get one now!