Day #31 - Different Strokes

Theme

Different Strokes

Description

Enjoy the differences... they are what makes life and the people you care about so interesting

To Do

Embrace and enjoy the differences in those around you

Nourish Yourself

Chances are there are people in your life who have been required to change their own eating habits, if not wishes, in order to accommodate your regimen.  What a lovely gesture to either take them to one of their favorite restaurants or cook them their favorite meal

Get Up & Go!

There is also a very good chance that someone close to you enjoys some sort of physical activity or hobby that you would rather endure a root canal than participate in.  And this is the very activity that you should offer to do with your loved one.  Money can’t begin to buy the goodwill this will generate

Tools

A knowledge of your loved ones' interests, an open mind, willing spirit 

Tip

1. Do some light research into your loved one’s primary interest and suggest an activity related to it... one that you can bear without clenching your teeth
2. At all costs, beware World of Warcraft :P

Tweak

Adjust your mindset to find the value of the activity as opposed to just getting through it. You never know what future rewards it will bring

Question

What screwball interests do you have to which you have subjected your loved ones?  Do they have any that you could better support or participate in occasionally?

Thoughts

"It is probably not love that makes the world go around, but rather those mutually supportive alliances through which partners recognize their dependence on each other for the achievement of shared and private goals." - Fred Allen

“Compromise, if not the spice of life, is its solidity. It is what makes nations great and marriages happy.” - Anon

Tidbit

Take a gander at these popular hobbies and see if those of your loved ones really seem so bad after all:

Our very own Cristina Vee
in her Cosplay finery

• Ghost-hunting
• Cosplay (performance art wearing costume, usually of favorite anime character)
• Playing Dead
• Pooktre Art (shaping/sculpting trees)
• Duct Tape Art
• Taphophilia (love of cemeteries)
• Beetle Fighting
• Javelin Catching (yikes)
• Eggshell Carving
• Noodling (catching fish with your hands)
• Lock-Picking
• Collecting
• Handcuffs
• Tea Bag Covers
• Elongated (flattened) coins
• Cigar bands... remember when it used to be match books?

• the list goes on and on

Treat

“Beyond a healthy relationship, hobbies also reduce stress and offer numerous health benefits (especially if you choose active options). And, if you’re willing to explore totally new experiences, you’ll push yourself creatively and physically.” (http://www.successmagazine.com/shared-hobbies-how-they-help-keep-the-spark-alive/PARAMS/article/1190/channel/22)

There is a VERY good chance that your loved one will want to reciprocate and actually go shopping with you in search of that ceramic cat you’ve been wanting to round out your collection

Blogs & Articles

About your loved ones -- Do Something for Someone Else: http://www.nzgirl.co.nz/know/5242/

Shared Interests and Hobbies: http://www.stressfreehome.co.uk/shared-interests-hobbies.html

In Sum

The differences are the good stuff.  New vistas, interests, hobbies and activities can bloom from sharing a favorite experience with someone close to you... at the very least the thought behind it is guaranteed to make you both smile