By ruts, I mean canyons. There are days when I will listen to the same CD or band on my iPod or in my car repeatedly until I know the words and rhythms of the music so well that I don't even need to listen to it anymore. Then there are days, whole weekends even, when I will seriously watch the same TV show or movie on DVD over and over and over again, even though there's a pretty good chance I've already memorized every line. When I grab something to eat from a fast food restaurant, I usually choose between two options, and more often than not, my choice never varies.
For some people, this is perfectly normal. I know it certainly is for me.
I'm pretty sure I've figured out why. I am not the biggest fan of change. I don't like it. But I do like familiar things. It's just the way I am.
And I've decided that I'm going to do something about this because if I'm not willing to change little things like my music or TV or movie or fast food preferences, I won't be willing to change bigger, more important things in my life that might lead to amazing things. I don't want to become this poor old man.
So I think this picture, which I found while on StumbleUpon, pretty sums up how I plan on thinking from now on:
And I'd like some help on this. So offer up some kinda-out-there suggestions for movies or TV shows or music, and I'll start making more of an effort to widen my horizons and maybe help widen some of yours too.
I am exactly the same way. I pretty much empathize with your entire post. I do believe, though, that with small changes come bigger changes that will afford greater opportunities and higher expectations out of life. Which is a good thing. Maybe I will try something new at Mexican Villa next time... maybe.
ReplyDeleteThe Station Agent is a really offbeat movie that I had never even heard of until Netflix suggested it to me. Also, 500 Days of Summer and Wristcutters: A Love Story are excellent. On the subject, that website/service is a great way to find new movies and TV shows without too much of a risk in wasting your time on something you will hate from beginning to end.
Series: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, Dexter, Deadwood, The Sopranos, Weeds...
ReplyDeleteMovies: Signs, this movie might strike a note with you at this point in your life...
I definitely fall into major ruts with music and food! Challenging yourself to change the little things is a great, simple idea to make things feel new. I might take on this challenge myself. Some of the music I keep falling back on could be new to you: Aphex Twin, The Black Keys, Blitzen Trapper, and Menomena are some of my defaults/favorites.
ReplyDeleteAs far as movies, I find that watching something totally weird like The Limits of Control by Jim Jarmusch or a fun foreign film like Les Poupées Russes (Russian Dolls) can brighten things up a bit.
Fight the fear at all costs; the fear keeps us from well deserved freedom and accomplishments. Im all for comfort, but to be out on a limb? In nature; out on the limb is were the fruit is.... If you like great vocals check out the band OURS and Jimmy gnecco. A movie to check out would be Black Dynamite, its a great spoof on old black exploitation films. Corny kung fu fights and chalk full of hip attitude. Hope that helps! Good bloging.
ReplyDeleteI think that part of the reason that we are afraid to take risks and go after dreams is because they don't always fit in with "The Plan". Most people feel like they must stay on a certain path and they don't dare veer away from it. This is idea of staying on the path is drilled into us from a young age which is why, I think, it is so hard for us to make changes.
ReplyDeleteTV Shows: Gilmore Girls
Movies: The Departed, An Affair to Remember, Breakfast at Tiffany's
I am the same way. I watch a movie sometimes and want to watch it again right then. I will listen to a new cd a hundred times until it gets really old. I like routine. I think it helps us deal with the chaos of daily life.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kenneth, Joss Whedon's repertoire is pretty fantastic.
ReplyDeleteYou should check out The Decemberists, if you've never heard them before. Or, Loreena McKennitt's also really good, if you're in the mood for Celtic-style music.
I'd highly recommend the movie Princess Mononoke. Really exceptional animated movie.