We get accustomed to our own environment, our own habits, our own way of doing things. Being in our home, around our possessions, and able to do things our way is comforting. When we are out of that element, we notice what is different. The changes can be mildly, and sometimes majorly, disruptive.This week I'm reporting to you from just outside our nation's capitol. I "flew" down here to visit my cousin, Dina, and her family. They're moving to Washington state later this year, and I wanted to see them in Virginia before they leave. Dina and I are the same age, and the only 2 girl cousins on my dad's side. We've always been good friends.
Dina and her husband have 3 kids. Their home is quite a change of pace for me. The walls and mantles are covered with pictures of the kids or made by them. Friends are constantly showing up to play, or calling to see if one of the kids can go out. There's lots of food in the fridge. What they have to drink and eat isn't the same as what I buy. They put the toilet paper on the roll the opposite way from how I do.
The differences remind me that our lives involve a balance of establishing our own way and incorporating elements of others. Experiencing how others think, live and do things lets us learn about the world and ourselves. When you can appreciate and adapt to the little, and even big, differences around you, you're free to enjoy yourself more. That's what I've been doing!
