Not only a well known phrase, but one I’ve heard more than once recently. The interesting thing about the rest of the sentence is the person was more or less wrong about their assumption/assertion. Being a person who craves to recognize patterns, I started thinking about why the same basic conversation was happening over and over. A number of questions quickly came to my head – Was I that predictable before now? Why are people off the mark? Is my current lifestyle so different than where I was 3-5 years ago? Have I changed? Why? There’s a lot to answer there, so lets get started.
The short answer is yes, I was fairly predictable. I lived my life in a very measured, methodical way that was meant to maximize return on investment and minimize risk/exposure. For better or worse, I managed my life like I manage my money. I rarely did things “just because” and while my reasons were varied, I did what I could to maintain a certain level of controllable order. This rigidity, while sometimes an asset, can also lead to stress and monotony. In other words, efficient is not always fun.
These days, and especially recently, I feel as though I’m a different person. I still tend to be gruff and prone to mood swings, but I am also more prone to being open-minded and whimsical. Care for a comparison? Years ago, I got a going away card from my coworkers at AMS (I recently found it) that talked of a need to “go out more often.” These days, it’s not uncommon for us to go out a couple weeknights a month and be out of the house most of the weekend. In those days, all I wanted to do was sit at home and keep to myself. Now, I think I’m addicted to new experiences. Whether it be the places I go, the clothes I wear or the way I interact with people, I’m doing things that historically were not me. Melissa calls it “The New You” and while somewhat cliche, I think it’s fairly accurate.
So why the change? I’m sure there are a lot of things that go into it, but the simple answer is I’m just less uptight. Exercise and physical fitness helps; so does building meaningful relationships with those around you. Regardless the reasons, the end result is a version of me that is happier owning less while doing more. Rah rah sis boom bah! Now if only I can drop 20 more pounds…