10 Ways to Challenge Yourself ...

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I LOVE books. With a capital “L!” It’s amazing to me that I can be whisked off to a different world, taken on a journey with people I know as well as I know myself and all without ever leaving the comfort of my favorite overstuffed chair. It’s my love of books that prompted me to attempt writing one. While it was far from the easiest thing I’ve ever done, writing that last line made me feel like a rock star. You’ll never look at books the same way again.

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There are over 6,000 languages spoken around the world. With that many options it only makes sense to try out a new one! There are numerous benefits to learning a foreign language. Knowing a second language makes you smarter, fosters cultural understanding, increases your job marketability and makes it easier to find Mr. Perfect while you vacation in Paris... wink

*7 Best Languages to Learn …

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There is nothing quite like staring your fear in the face and saying, “Get out of my way!” When I was a kid I was terrified of dogs, even puppies, until one day my aunt, a German Shepherd breeder, helped me get over it. She taught me that letting fear control your life closes you off from so much that the world has to offer. And thank goodness that she did. I couldn’t even imagine a world without puppies!

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I don’t have children, but thanks to my Aunt Rose I do have dogs (see #3). Boy oh boy, are they a handful! Despite all of the chewed up shoes, holes in the yard and all of the times my patience is tested, I still love them like crazy. They are adorable, sweet and are always there for me when I’m feeling a little down. Those puppy dog eyes get me every time...

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I’m not a doctor (and I don’t play one on TV) but I do know how to save someone’s in the event that they stop breathing, and you can too. Learn CPR! You can check out local hospitals and police departments to see when they offer classes or check with the American Heart Association for classes in your area. Saving another person’s life is definitely a challenge but one well worth it!

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I have no rhythm but I can manage to fake it on the dance floor by copying stuff I’ve seen on YouTube. When it comes to ballroom dancing and the tango it is a completely different story. That’s where the professionals come in. It’s not exactly easy to stand in a room full of strangers and dance like a live wire. Dancing is fun, a great stress reliever and an amazing way to work out! Plus imagine how great I’ll look at the next wedding I go to when I’m getting down!

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I can beat just about anybody on Guitar Hero. Strap that little plastic guitar to my body and I’ll sweep the floor with anyone that dares to challenge me. When it comes to the real thing, I don’t bring in the encores. In addition to increasing your intellect, playing an instrument relieves stress, teaches you discipline and patience. Best of all, its fun!

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I’m one of those people that does really well with IKEA instructions but I’m not that great with a sewing needle. The first time I stitched a hole you would have thought I’d made an entire dress. Picking up a trade or a new hobby is a great stress reliever. Feeling really proud when you look at the fruit of all of your labor isn’t too bad either.

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The world is a big place. With so many different things to see, do, hear, touch, smell, and feel it can be a little overwhelming. Why not start in your own backyard? So many interesting things happening in my city, my state, my country, I can take a road trip, have an extravagant vacation or just go check out something new around the corner and vastly different experiences each time.

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Every now and then something happens and I’m faced with a type of problem that makes me say “I need a guy.” My car makes a weird noise, I burn the steak on the grill or I can’t figure out the difference between poker and pinnacle. Dilemma? I think not. I’ll figure it out and add it to my repertoire for the next time. No problem at all, I’m a woman and I am awesome!

There you have it, 10 very different ways to challenge yourself or as I look at it, 10 different ways I can be a more awesome version of me! What is something you’ve done to challenge yourself?

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