I’m loath to admit it, I am definitely a creature of habit. Even though I’d classify myself as “adventurous” and “a risk-taker,” the truth is, most days follow an embarrassingly similar pattern. It looks something like this:
Traveling is one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to put ourselves outside of our normal situations and find opportunities for growth, but you don’t even have to leave the house to nudge yourself out of your usual routine. This little lesson was reinforced the other day when I stuck my nose in the kitchen cabinet where the brown rice and other grains are usually stored, only to find the cupboards bare. Um, how am I supposed to have my usual rice-and-veggie bowl for lunch when one key ingredient is missing? Necessity—as the saying goes—is the mother of invention, and hunger compelled me to do the unthinkable: Substitute oatmeal for the rice. Ack! Oatmeal is only for breakfast, right? You eat it with maple syrup and cinnamon, not hot sauce and salty seasonings! But I didn’t let that niggling “You’re doing it wrong!” voice stand in the way of experimentation. The results were surprisingly delicious. Steamed veggies atop perfectly cooked whole oats, seasoned with toasted sesame oil and a splash of soy sauce. Guess what? I’m now in an it’s-oatmeal-for-lunch rut, but that’s a good thing. The lesson learned here is that it’s OK to experiment in the kitchen, break with tradition, and try new things, even if it feels weird or uncomfortable at first. What have you done lately that’s pushed you out of your comfort zone? I’m all ears! |
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photos courtesy of Creative Commons
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I'm Aurelia, creative director here at Swell! This is my space for sharing thoughts and ideas with readers on more topics dear to my heart: Travel, wellness, veganism, and style, and living creatively and compassionately. One Swell Blog
November 2015
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