Breaking out not only opens our world but gives us that happy somewhat nervous energy that can be so fleeting. It’s the feeling that you’re on the cusp of something grand and it’s all good from that point forward.
I am a big fan of “too cool to be a coincidence” situations. Let’s take a moment to create some shall we?
Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker
It’s an effective concept. If we expand our comfort zone, the other zones in our life will also expand. Other areas like: Adventure! Wit, Cleverness, and general Happiness.
This being said, just simply changing things up is kinda for panzies. We want to rock the Casbah (if you know what I’m sayin’!) Creating an interesting conflict in yourself or others gives you a very controlled way to overcome and relish in that victory.
There are so many events that we cannot change and sometimes just have to accept. For some, a loss of power and control can severly affect our mood and thus, where we are going in life. Let’s mix it up a little bit. Get the vibe back and have some good old fashioned crazy fun.
One of my favorite activites (and this really opens your world) is to go to a food shop (i.e., grocery, cafe, restaurant) that is foreign and has foreign speaking staff. Chinese, French but I’d have to say the Greeks are the most fun. OK – so go to a Greek cafe and try to order in their language. Refuse to speak English!
You can look online for common phrases. Spend a few minutes each day memorizing them and on Friday (or whatever day, I don’t care) head out for a bite to eat. Here’s a few so you can get the gist:
Naturally it’d be good to find a site that has audio samples.
Hello: (ya)
How are you?: ; (pos íste?)
I’m fine thank you and you?: (kalá [íme], sas efharistó. Esís?)
I want: (thelo)
Now for the conflict: Choose someone close to you, gesture politely in their direction and sincerely say:
This gentleman/lady will pay for everything:
(O kírios tha plirósi giá óla) – gentleman
(I kiría tha plirósi giá óla) – lady
Now they will probably tell you they speak English. Just smile and say “No English thank you.” If you repeat it enough they’ll get the message. I would call ahead and ask them to fax or email a menu. It’d be a great idea to go over the ordering process a few times. It will also allow you to be much less nervous and enjoy the whole experience more.
They will be confused by a couple of things:
- Why on Earth is this Gringo not speaking English?
- Why are they butchering our home language? lol OR – Their accent is so cute!
- Why is this lady/gentleman going to pay?
Just enjoy the confusion. It’s not a bad thing at all! One thing is certain – they will be talking about you for a while. As crazy as it may seem it will break up the monotony of your day and theirs. If they are upset now, they’re sure to be laughing while drinking and replaying the situation to their friends later.
Of course you’ll go ahead and pay for your order after this mumbling and nervous shuffling of the others are finished.
Remember, keep your sincerity. If you get flustered they will be on guard and suspicious. It’s not likely to have the same result.
