Broadening Your Horizons

“Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb.  It’s where all the fruit is.”

-          Shirley MacLaine

I love to travel.  Chicago, Miami, DC, San Francisco, Houston, Vegas… you name it, I’ve been there.  And anyone who knows me well can attest that my soul was born in New York City… any excuse to go there will do.  Though I haven’t yet ventured much outside the country, I’ve discovered that the US has some pretty interesting and diverse cities… which are just a plane ride away.   

One of my work responsibilities is to visit sales reps across the US to assess how we can provide better programs and services.  In the past, I have always chosen cities that fit my personality: major metropolitan areas with a lot of hustle and bustle.  But this time I decided to experience something different, a place I may not have the opportunity to visit again… but where? During a conversation with my mother, she suggested I go to the state of New Mexico, which is known for great food, friendly people and breathtaking sunsets.  Amazing sunsets, you say?  Since I was trying to broaden my horizons (pun intended), I decided “New Mexico it is!”

Being in Albuquerque and Sante Fe, NM was like visiting a foreign country, with very dry lands, cloudless baby-blue skies, unique architecture, and none of the chaos I’ve grown accustomed to in my typical cities of choice.  As I gazed at the sunset on my last evening there (my mother was right, it was amazing), I felt an appreciation not only for my fabulous travel experience, but the opportunity to do something so different.

When was the last time you tried something outside of your comfort zone? 

I believe that experiencing new things is an essential part of personal growth.   While routines ensure that necessary tasks are completed (going to work, paying bills, etc. etc.), new experiences break up the same ol’ same ol’ and add that much-needed pizzazz to everyday life.  Had the same style for years?  Grab some fashion magazines, purchase a new lipstick color, and get a fresh haircut to re-energize your look.  Taken any classes lately, just for the fun of it?  It’s amazing how learning to paint, cook, dance or speak a new language can get your creative juices flowing and perk you up in an instant.  Perhaps the adventurer in you is ready to see the world.  Save some extra cash, obtain a passport, and prepare to visit places, people and cultures you’ve only read about. 

Learning new things doesn’t have to be daunting or expensive.  But stretching yourself beyond the everyday can provide new insight and perspective, and challenge you in ways you never imagined.  I encourage you to open yourself up to new experiences as often as possible, in order to broaden your horizons.

What new experience will you have this week?