There is something comforting about predictability. 

I can wake up each morning with the predictable morning routine of making my bed. I can order my favorite Starbucks drink and be confident in predicting it will taste the same whether I am in Chicago, Barrington or even out of state. I can make my weekly staple dinner knowing before I take a bite, what it will taste like. Ordinary predictable living is quite typically the norm for most.  And I do say that in judge-free good way as I am in that majority! It does help bring a clarified understanding of order and ease to daily living. Personally, I find predictability brings me more peace and satisfaction than the potential chaos of the unknown. While I am a strong social extrovert, “spontaneous adventurer” has never been words to describe my personality which is why predictable is quite easy for me to sustain for weeks, months and years later.  

So, how is it that my comfortable predictable ways started to become dissatisfying?

It wasn’t until I was well into my 30’s that I really started to travel outside of IL. I wasn’t born into a family of lifestyle travelers and thus, I never felt like I was missing out on the experiences that came with traveling. Took becoming an adult to see the value of using my income for a plane ticket over house accessories or a new wardrobe.  Took traveling to learn how ordinary days are still great days to come home to, but some of life’s most remarkable days are found getting lost in another city or country.

While in Cabo

I just recently returned from a week in Cabo, Mexico and I think that is what stirred up my desire to live this year with a little less predictability and dare I say more adventure. It was a trip that was nothing close to my generally predictable days as each moment seem to be its own adventure.

While in Cabo, I enjoyed some incredible “new” dinner dishes at some unique restaurants – one such restaurant designed their space around an outdoor rain forest setting. The large trees and natural environment paired so beautiful with each entrée.   And so, while gauche is for me a must order off any Mexican menu, this night I put it aside to try something new and every bite was worth the change-up.

In traveling to Cabo this week, I met new people. I spent part of a lunch chatting with a Cabo local and another day we spent an entire day on the most beautiful boat with a crew of 5 … you can only imagine the stories shared and the memories that were created. And so, what I noticed within those moments is that while my inner circle of friends sustains me on a regular basis there is a rich gift and a good memory that comes in sharing some of your time with a stranger.

While in Cabo, I heard live music in a foreign language. It was fun and enjoyable to listen to even thou I had no idea what words were being communicated. It was something other than my American playlists and it was enjoyable to listen to. And so, what I found in that experience was while I enjoy my kind of music, I could come to appreciate music even more if I would be willing to listen to a variety of musical talent. 

This trip to Cabo was extra-amazing and perhaps it was because I wasn’t in the chill of Chicago or perhaps it was that I took a break from predictable living.  All I know is that I really want this trip to be more than just the memory of a week away. I want to carry it with me into 2022.  While I’m not so big on new year’s goals, I can take my Cabo experience and create a little more day in and day out adventure to year 2022. 

My 2022 non predictable life will include….

Making one new dinner dish a week. I’ll share this on the blog this year. I’m starting this week with Julia Childs Coq Au Vin (Yep, for all those Emily in Paris fans … you know all about this dish) 😉 Trying new food adds flavor to your kitchen and life.

Traveling to new places. While I love weekends at my place in Chicago, I know Chicago and have experienced a lot of what it has to offer. I want to discover what weekends away look like in new places in 2022. I’m sure my girlfriend and travel expert Andrea will cover me on this one.

Stopping already with the over played play list. While driving, I will listen less to my killer but predictable play lists (yes, I know the order the songs are played) and listen more to audio books or the radio because there is a great surprise that comes from hearing a new song for the first time. Right???

Being more intentionally inclusive. Sometimes I find it hard to bring in a new friend to an established circle of friends, but I will toss aside any potential awkwardness to welcome new people into any of my circles because every friend was once a stranger.

Ordering something new at Starbucks – Ok, I’ll try a new winter drink even though my venti skim hot chocolate lite whip is so satisfying on a blister cold day.

Skipping bed making …. Yeah, no I don’t think so!

I hope this blog post inspires you to continue to enjoy what you know, while also creating some extraordinary moments that come from trying something new. 

Happy 2022!