Trying Something New and Garden Update

Hi everyone!

Another week goes by and so much to talk about!!! Last time I talked a bit about the effect of happiness on your life. The response was great! Thank you very much!

Oftentimes, I see something I'd like to try - a new type of art, a physical activity, even sometimes a recipe - and I second guess myself. Do I really think I can do this? What makes me think I would actually be successful doing this? Do I have the time for this? MANY questions.

Then, some times, by the time I have finished questioning myself, the opportunity to do whatever it was has passed or just doesn't seem o interesting anymore. Then I put it aside with the intention of revisiting it later.

Sound familiar?

I have been talking to the Almighty Gardener (Lad) for a while about trying hydroponics in the garage over the winter - growing strawberries by using water and various types of lights and equipment.

After yet another conversation about this with him, I just happened to read an article on pushing yourself to try something new. These three simple steps apply to any situation...any project/activity that is new that you need an extra "nudge" to get going on. So, here are "Three Simple Rules to Push Yourself to Try Something New":

1. It will never be today again. Regrets are awful Wasting time is awful. I never want to be saying "What would have happened if..." or "I should have done/tried..." JUST DO IT! Whenever you feel yourself making excuses for not trying something, repeat... "It will never be today again...ever." Never waste a single moment of your life. You only get those moments once. Use them wisely!
2. Guard your time with your life... Again, your time here is finite. Any time that passes you will never have again. So many times I find myself saying..."I just don't have the time for..." or "I will do this after I finish X,Y and Z..." Every single day you become older. Every moment you are older. A moment not used is lost forever. Everybody has time, they just choose to spend it in different ways. How are YOU spending your time?
3. Be Brave...Yes, I said it. BRAVE. Be brave enough to take a leap. A leap of faith, if you will. OK, I'm not talking about stupid, dangerous stuff here, folks. I know someone who says they are too scared to go eat at a restaurant alone. Holy moly!!!!!! Grab a magazine/book/Kindle/Nook and sit yourself down at ANY restaurant and have a meal! Enjoy your own company! (if you cannot enjoy your own company, then who else will?) Take a deep breath and repeat in your head that you are up for the challenge of trying something new. Then act brave. Brave actions are rewarded. Act bravely and you will not regret trying.

Lastly on this topic...I get a daily email from the Universe. The website that sends them to me is based on the "Thoughts Become Things" concept. I highly recommend signing up for these: www.tut.com

GARDEN UPDATE: Squash still going strong. I have made thyme oil and thyme vinegar. This week I will finish of with sage oil and basil oil. I will not make any sage or basil vinegar because it just didn't turn out that well the last time. I need to research it more.

We are getting the last of the tomatoes and cucumbers. The brussel sprouts didn't do well, but I think it's because we planted too late. We can already see the tops of new onions coming up, which means a nice crop for next year!!! The next couple of weeks will be spent clearing the yard (Sunshine is happy about that!), grabbing some manure from the forest preserve, and spreading a combo of manure and our compost over the areas we plan to plant next year!

As always, thanks so much for reading! Until next time, enjoy your food, eat healthy and feel good!!!!