Subtle unfamiliar experiences
In my last video, I talked about trying things that I've never done before.
A lecture that I recently watched further confirmed that I should continue such efforts.
The psychology professor said that we should experience new, unfamiliar environments in order to grow.
To be able to have new thoughts, it was said that new experiences are necessary.
It doesn't need to be expensive trips. Instead, he recommended us to experience subtle unfamiliar things.
By experiencing something slightly different, you are able to gain energy to do something completely new.
I felt that this supported my idea of trying new things, big or small, and began to do so with more confidence.
And I'm about to briefly share this life with you.
Our tomatoes are shared with squirrels.
Today, I'm going to eat it before the squirrels do...
Instead of costly trips,
we've been going to places we haven't been to before every Saturday, along with a simple lunch to have too.
It doesn't need to be a famous tourist spot.
One week, we stepped into a lake since we missed the ocean.
Another day, we visited a small lakeshore town with a beautiful port.
I've now reached a state in which I'm able to make food without recipes or measuring.
I've been cooking familiar meals that my head and body remember.
My family enjoys them, but I thought that a little change won't be so bad either.
So I'm trying some new recipes and ingredients from time to time.
Although this also requires eyes that can pick out the good recipe from the great mass of them.
Instead of the usual scrambled eggs and toast, I decided to prepare a 3-layer garlic bread for my son's breakfast.
Spread some butter mixed with diced garlic on the bread, and bake for 8 minutes in a 200°C oven.
For 3 slices of bread, I melted 3 slices of cheddar cheese in 4-6 spoons of milk to make the cheese sauce.
Our family's favourite fruit is mango these days.
I wasn't able to get the shot of the cheese sauce being poured as I was rushing to have it done warm for my son...
Finish with a sprinkle of dried parsley flakes.
There's a small forest behind our house.
I do 4 laps every day, and for some reason, I always go clockwise.
Should I go the other way this time?
My brain starts to work furiously, in order to not get lost...
Likely because I'm bad with directions, going in the opposite direction felt like going through a completely different road.
Now, when I spot a different path, I bravely make my way through...
"So this is what it's like to experience something a little different than what I'm familiar with!"
Of course, this new feeling would turn into a familiar one as I continue.
But I'm not abandoning what I'm used to.
Pickled jalapenos that I make every summer.
I make these every year because it's so good with pork belly chops.
I mixed the seasoning with soy sauce (2), vinegar (1), soju or sake (1), sugar (1-1.5).
Instead of radish which I always used in the past, I made pickles with chayote, full of vitamin C and folic acid.
I tried it before, and I liked it as it was crunchier than radish.
I also tried making classic pickles.
We make Korean pickles often, but not the western styled as much.
They aren't meant for pickling, but I guessed it wouldn't hurt using them,.
Water (2 cups), vinegar (1 cup), sugar (1Tbsp), pickling spice (1Tbsp), bay leaves (3-4)
Unlike soy sauce pickles, pour when boiling hot.
Not difficult, but also food that I never tried making before.
Little by little, I'm trying food that we don't have frequently.
My memory isn't quite the same as before anymore.
My daughter recommended me to play the piano again or learn a new language, in worry.
I played for hours and hours when I was little, but almost never touched it once I became an adult.
Now that I'm trying to play again, my hands feel stiff and I can't even read the sheets quick enough.
But, I'm practicing a little, although not very often.
A song that I haven't played before, instead of one that I used to be good at.
I have an Instagram account, although it was only made and not used.
I uploaded a picture for the first time.
But,
I still can't decide if I should share it in public yet.
I want to for communication purposes with all of you, but I'm not sure if it's necessary yet.
I'm also afraid that I might make some mistakes...
I don't think I'm prepared yet.
As we grow, we find what's the most comfortable for us, and try to maintain it.
At a certain point, this comfort zone does not expand anymore, and I face myself living only in familiarity.
I still like the familiarity that I have.
It's more comfortable staying home on the weekends than going out,
there's no chance of failure cooking how I used to,
there's no need to be afraid of getting lost if I go in the same direction,
and if I don't play the piano I wouldn't need to get stressed out for making mistakes.
But,
As I continue to step out of my comfort zone and try subtle changes,
won't I become braver to try even bigger challenges, as well as train my brain?
I hope my life of which I mistook for having finished growing will improve and develop...
Thank you for watching.
