Feb24

Trying Something New

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Trying Something New

Hello everyone and happy weekend! Saying that this winter has been below average would be putting it nicely, because it really freaking sucked. But, life goes on, and sometimes you just have to keep pushing through until your next big exciting break happens. To keep myself from going insane, I have been trying to incorporate some new things into my life to keep my mental health in check and to have some fun.

One thing that I love to do is learn new languages. I speak English and pretty above decent French, if I do say so myself. Learning new languages has always been a fun thing for me, rather than a chore. So, to add to the fun, I began teaching myself American Sign Language about two months ago and I’m really enjoying it. I try my best to practice for at least a little bit every day and am proud of the progress that I’ve made. I also like to watch French films and TV shows or movies with sign language in it to keep myself sharp.

The great thing about learning a new language, is that there is always something new that you can learn within the language that you’re practicing. Constantly gaining knowledge helps keep my mind off of some of the bullshit, and it is one of my favorite ways to pass the time. I plan on learning Spanish next because, despite taking it for eight years in grade school, I can’t remember a darn thing and I’d like to have it in my language arsenal.

Another new activity that I have been trying, as per recommendation of my therapist, is yoga and meditation. I have taken yoga classes before and really enjoyed it, and with my therapist pushing it every week, I decided to give it another shot. I found free yoga and meditation classes at one of the local libraries and have had nothing but good experiences so far. And, since I ball on a budget, you can’t beat free!

Although I haven’t been having the best of times in life by any means at the moment, I am proud of myself for getting up and trying to learn something new instead of giving up and doing nothing with my day. I always feel good when I activate my mind and body and now, I just need to remind myself to keep doing it because I know that it works.

What is something new that you would like to try? Are you taking any classes or teaching yourself about a subject that you’re interested in? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Pinterest

29 responses »

  1. Sign Language – That’s awesome! I learned a few words when I was an Educational Assistant. I worked with a boy who quite possibly had a form of apraxia. Nonetheless, he understood what people said, but could not form words, and a few words in sign language (even if made up!) Made a world of difference! 😊

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  2. It seems that we are quite alike I’m a natural redhead , and I am into learning new languages I use Duolingo as an app to do that I’m about 50% fluent in Spanish 20-something percent fluent in German and like 12% fluent in Italian. So yay me 🙂 I learned American Sign Language when I was little kid. My grandma she taught me the alphabet but I don’t know many symbols. Are there any apps you know of that can help me with that? I’d be glad to try. Also, for your fluency and ease in speaking different languages you should try an app called Tandem. it hooks you up with people that speak whatever language you’re learning as their native tongue and then you help them with whatever you say is your native English, French whatever it might be. Have fun 🙂 Oh yeah…I’m a total Yoga junkie. Recently, I’ve been dabbling with Meditation as well as learning about The Chakras. Interesting stuff! Let me know if you find any good helps out there in internet-land 🙂

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  3. Thats great to hear your finding a way of coping! I really like the idea if learning new languages too.. it’s supposed to be very mentally stimulating. I have been focusing on future goals to take my mind off stress etc. Reading psychology books. Using my time to be more productive! Good luck with everything! Enjoyed reading your post!

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  5. Languages unfortunately separate us and make us different. They embody the culture of each nature in sound and vocabulary and thus values. We need more multi linguists like yourself to help bridge the gaps between us.

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  6. Yeah, I love learning too. I am currently brushing up on my French with the Duolingo app, according to it I am 63% fluent. Super easy and fun, only takes 5 mins a day.

    I also love watching documentaries on science, tech, and history. I am learning about business and marketing too. Just started a new website and released a book on Amazon.

    Good to see others out there challeng8ng themselves to improve their lives.

    Cheers,

    Iain

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  7. That is so great! I love sign language and meditation! Something new i would love to try is web design. Im doing graphic right now but really want to learn to code- and see if i like it/ am good at it. Lol i also still want to learn the ukulele and guitar!

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  9. Hi Sarah, I had an awful year in 2017 losing the love of my life and then our baby a few months after. I’m terrible with languages, but have also found meditation to be very calming. Blogging is also my new found focus and I’m enjoy the interaction with everyone too.
    Whatever happens in life, we’ll never move forward if we’re always looking Back. Try to keep your chin up, no matter what xx

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  12. Pingback: Duolingo Obsessed!! | lifewithlilred

  13. france and spain language are cool..
    and me still struggling to learn English x_x soon i wanna learn about videography too..
    is there any android app to learn English ? 🙂 my grammar is bad.

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  14. I’ve been learning how to free colour and see what I end up scribbling – It’s actually interesting.
    How to do jigsaw puzzles too.
    It’d be awesome to speak more languages. Happy learning 🙂

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