When I was young, single and in my twenties, and going to bars and clubs almost every weekend was the norm for me, it would always amaze me whenever I would see strangers approach other strangers.  It’s not as if I think it’s weird or socially unacceptable for people to introduce themselves to others, I just never did it myself.  The thought of walking up to a big group of people I didn’t even know and not being sure if they would warmly welcome me with open arms always frightened me.  Thus, whenever I was at a crowded bar or house party, I just stuck with my friends and those that knew me.  It’s sad to say, but I never rarely ventured out and met new people.

Now that I’m no longer in my twenties, I still can’t exactly say that I feel entirely comfortable introducing myself to complete strangers.  While I am getting better at it, I’ll admit it’s not my cup of tea.  I’m not sure why, but I just don’t feel at ease with putting myself out ‘there’.  Maybe it’s a fear or rejection?  Perhaps I just like sticking with those I know like me?  Or, could it be I’m just lazy?  Whichever the case might be, I know I need to ameliorate this situation and break free from my bad habit.  It’s really not doing me any good, and it’s not healthy.  And this blog is called, ‘Healthy Chow’, right?

Image Credit – eHow.com

Whenever I receive a comment from a blogger I don’t know or from a blog reader that I’ve never ‘talked’ to, I’m elated.  I love seeing new faces on my blog and knowing that there are new eyeballs reading my words.  It always makes me smile when someone introduces themselves to me on my blog and then I find that their blog is something with which I can totally vibe.  And then I ask myself the question, “why don’t I ever venture out on the blogosphere and ‘meet’ new bloggers?”  But, silence is deafening.  There isn’t an answer.  There isn’t an answer because there isn’t a good reason as to why I don’t actively try to meet new people.

That said, I’m challenging myself to meet five new bloggers every week for the month of December.  I am going to do a post every Tuesday listing the five new bloggers I’ve encountered, leave a comment on at least one of their blog posts and I’m going to tell you a little bit about them.  Sound like fun?

Image Credit – eHow.com

Week 1 of Healthy Chow’s-a-Makin’-Some-New-Friends

• Salt & Humor – Paula is the author of this blog and she is married to Jason.  She’s originally from Reno and is now living in Portland with Jason and their three kitties.  Check out the cute little snuggie for her smoothie!  Paula also is lovin’ her some tempeh; she’s a woman after my own heart!  BTW, take a look at her freshly made juices – aren’t they beautiful?
• Giant Scoops of Joy – Lauren is the scooper of the joy and is a newlywed.  She married her high school sweetheart, Joe, and it appears they are currently doing some remodeling on their home.  Lauren is a hoot and is quite creative in the kitchen.  Just check out her recipe for “pumpkin” cheese dip and spaghetti squash with spicy chickpea tomato sauce.  Like me, the one store that she could go to over and over again is Trader Joe’s!  Love her!
• Skinny Menny – Skinny Menny is really Menden.  She got her nickname when she was a child and was in her words, “extremely thin, always the shrimpiest kid in class.”  Now, she cooks and eats healthy and is active, to say the least.  Just check out her weekly workout log: yoga, zumba, P90X, running, spinning AND weight training!  BTW, Menden’s kitchen is gorgeous!  Check out her renovations. And while Menden is in her gorgeous kitchen, she is cooking up some awesome things.  Wish her good luck as she starts her new job today!
• Fit and Fabulous Life – This fit and fabulous life belongs to Melinda.  Melinda is currently residing in a small town with her husband but has plans to finish up their house remodel and sell their home in 2010, so that they can move closer to family.  And speaking of family, Melinda just found out that she’s going to become an aunt again.  In addition to making some fabulous recipes like broccoli & cauliflower casserole, Melinda has even published a few articles.  Check out the one about how cinnamon and honey can help with weight loss – it’s food for thought!
• Life After Bagels – I love the name of this blog!  This life belongs to Morgan.  Morgan lives in Toronto, ON with her boyfriend, Brad.  She’s works over 40 hours a week as a manager in the beauty industry (and recently got a promotion) and is a part-time student – wow, I think she’s a tad busy.  I loved her post about having a choice – it’s so true and I know I find myself in that situation so often.  Thanks for the words of wisdom!  And like me, Morgan can easily take a nap on her yoga mat.  But, she’s whittling her middle and putting that mat to some great use – nice plank, girl!

OK, so that wasn’t so bad!  I thoroughly enjoyed visiting these new blogs (new to me) and introducing myself.  It helped me to step out of my norm and to ‘meet’ some cool people.  What have I been waiting for?  You bloggies are all so wonderful and interesting; I really appreciate all that you do and the wonderful things you write about on your blogs.  Who needs television? And because this was such a fun and mind-opening exercise, I challenge you to do the same each week until the end of this year.  Are you with me?! I know we can take this on! Let’s do this!!!

Image Credit – MichaelHyatt.com

What bad habit do you need to break free from?  What’s a good habit of yours?

Namasté,
Nicole