A good and I will add unique friend sent me a copy of an article in Forbes magazine, titled,
How to be more interesting ( in 10 easy Steps) It is so cool, Who doesn't want to be more interesting; but more than that, who couldn't learn more or gain encouragement from trying these suggestions.
The first suggestion says to explore...do something new, get out of the echo chamber! now there is a bright thought, but it means looking into areas you have not gone before or that might be controversial. Do I research claims attributed to certain groups and sift out the propaganda? It means I have to be courageous because there is something more and it is amazing....push on those barricades!
The second is to share what you discover. Now I have to ask here are we talking about sharing what you found or What you think....the philosophical hole is looming nearby to trap even the most well intentioned.
For example; I went to a Chinese Herb Shop to see if they had a certain item and they did, the owner informed me he was a medical doctor in China and that he did acupuncture, and that he was new to the Austin area from Chicago. He also sold me some herbs that help clear sinuses, I looked up the ingredients on the internet first of course then when I was satisfied I started taking it. does this qualify as exploring and sharing, there is a long, long list of opinions about alternative medicines...hmmm maybe.
The 3rd piece of advice was "Do Something, Anything, "sitting around" doesn't count"....So now I am thinking this is an article directed at kids; but wait, plenty of people in my age group do the same ole thing everyday.Even if they aren't sitting they aren't really doing anything new.... Even if I don't share it I can write poetry, draw, sing, dance, walk, smell flowers, water flowers, dig holes plant cool things...but maybe I also need to stretch myself and do something out side my comfort zone...
4. Embrace my innate weirdness, ha that's funny, I think it means accept yourself, that is another blog for a lifetime...
5. is having a "cause", anyone who knows me knows there is always "a cause". A reason to write to my Senators and Congressmen. I am never sure how to best share this stuff with others, because it is such an "opinion" thing...and that gets me into lots of trouble. but Ladies of Charity my group of Ladies will be going on field trips to visit the charities we support...my idea...
The sixth suggestion to be more interesting is Minimize the Swagger, We have become a society that only accepts right answers (don't raise your hand unless you know the answer) and let there be no show of weakness.( never let them see you sweat) Waiting until you are absolutely sure before taking action, is considered good leadership... If someone makes a decision and any flaw develops then the "I told you so's" will Swagger out and comment incessantly on the incompetence. Rater than praising ingenuity, Sadly only history books get that privilege. How sad for this. I find it interesting that media might be the main push behind the perceived need for swagger and this small piece of advice is hidden in a media publication as number 6.
3 more to go so here goes: Give it a shot. Try it out. Play around with a new idea. Do something strange. If you never leave your comfort zone, you won’t grow.
I painted an old dresser right after we moved, I repainted it decorated it painted it again and it still isn't finished...I call it my work in progress. but, It's a piece of junk really not worth the paint or time but hey I am loving it. so everybody, hear this, I love suggestions just not discouragement.
Next is Hop off the Bandwagon,
well I think my husband did that when he started designing a boat to sail around in the ocean, as it nears completion I see I need to start hanging a leg off the edge of the bandwagon and get ready to jump, but for now I am enjoying some last minute time on it.
Next it says to be brave: or maybe just bold. Standing up for the underdog takes more courage than just going and offering some aid and assistance. Stirring the pot with well seeded topic of conversation might beat out initiating a new technique for cooking lasagna, but all of them work toward being just a wee bit different and laying the ground work for interesting.
Ignore the Scolds: I might add the "tsks" too, It is easier to argue with someones words than their subtle disapproving behaviors....
I must admit my heart lights up when I meet an individual who is truly happy doing their own odd and unique thing. One of the most interesting people I ever knew was a sculptor named Damian Priour who had a fantastic and diverse career doing what he loved. I am even more impressed when I see a person with real confidence, where there is no fear in how it gets shared, I mean didn't we all fall in love with the "Last Lecture", Who isn't proud for people who try their own formula and succeed if even for a minute.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jessicahagy/2011/11/30/how-to-be-interesting/
