Article: If you want to be more open-minded, then the first thing you have to do is embrace something that is completely foreign to you. Sure, this may sound a bit broad, but the unknown can really mean something as simple as taking a different route to work, finally accepting that coffee date with your neighbor, or seeing a movie by a director you've never heard of. If you want to be more open-minded, then you should try to embrace one new unknown thing every weekor even, every day. Have you never checked out that new restaurant in town because you don't know what it's like there? Now's the time to check it out. Have you avoided signing up for that English class you're interested in because you don't know anything about Romantic poetry? Go for it. Have you avoided the Barre classes at your yoga studio because you're afraid you won't know what you're doing. Check them out and you'll see that it wasn't as scary as you thought. Close-minded people are famous for forming negative opinions of things they've never even tried. They may hate the other pizza place in town without even setting foot in the door, or they think the vegan movement is completely silly without ever trying it themselves. So, the next time you catch yourself espousing a negative opinion about something, ask yourself what evidence you have to support your ideas. If you find that there is absolutely no evidence to prove your case, then you should try that thing yourself before you say anything else. If your only evidence comes from biased sources, such as your favorite blogger or your best friend, who agrees with everything you say, then that doesn't really count. " If you want to be more open-minded, then you have to start saying "yes" to the things you would formerly say "no" to. This could be your friend's standing invitation to go to go on a hike, your co-worker's invitation to join your company's bowling league, or even your barista asking if you'd like to try the new latte special. Stop saying no to things and start saying that you'd like to try them. You'll be surprised by how quickly this changes your perspective. The next time you say no to something, ask yourself what lies behind this impulse: is this fear of the unknown? An unwillingness to step out of your comfort zone? The desire to be hanging out in bed in your pyjamas instead of meeting new people? Face the feeling and find a way to fight it. This is easier said than done, of course. Let's say you're politically liberal and support a serious handgun ban. Sure, you may think your way is the best way, and you don't have to change that, but you should read some arguments from the other side to see what the other people are saying. You may find that they have some good ideas of their own; and if you don't, then you'll feel more justified in your own opinion because you'll be more informed. Read up on how other countries run their governments. America could learn a thing or two from Sweden and vice versa. Seeing how other people do things can give you a better sense of any situation, whether it's fighting crime, dealing with adoptions, or offering easier and cheaper access to healthcare. Let's say you're a very devout Christian. Can you try reading up on other religions, or understanding the reasons why someone might not believe in God at all? Make a list of these reasons and see if it makes it easier for you to understand your differing perspectives. This doesn't mean you have to change your mind, but it will help you have a more open-minded outlook. Though being close-minded doesn't necessarily equate with being negative, many close-minded people tend to look at most things at the world as being negative or threatening and tend to stick to the things they know. So, the next time you catch a negative thought crossing your brainor even the next time one escapes your lipscounter it with a positive thought. It'll feel good. Let's say you catch yourself saying, "It's freezing today. This weather sucks." Can you think of anything good about the cold day? Try: "But there's nothing like drinking a pumpkin spice latte in your favorite cafe when it's cold outside." Or: "Maybe it'll snow later. I love snow." Being more positive will help you embrace the things you thought you hated. The same goes for whining and complaining. If you catch yourself whining and complaining about something, immediately counter your complaints with praise or excitement surrounding that thing. You can find the good in almost any situation. Maybe you hate your 2-hour commute from Sacramento to Berkeley, but you can love the alone time you get to listen to your favorite audiobook. This is another great way to adjust your perspective and to become more open-minded. Try karate, hiking, oil painting, power yoga, photography, or any other activity that you have never tried before, don't know much about, and don't even particularly think you'd be good at. Sign up for a class in your town or at a local college. You will meet new people also interested in that thing and will learn to look at the world in a new way. Who knows, your new hobby may even turn in to a passion. And if you really find yourself having a passion for something new, your outlook will improve. A love for photography, for example, will change the way you look at the world. Close-minded people tend to do the same thing every day because they're convinced that they wouldn't be happy if they did something different, had a different breakfast, or took a different route to work. So, do just that. Don't eat the same bagel and cream cheese and go for some oatmeal and a fruit salad. Don't go to the gym after work; try running in the morning instead. And don't go straight home after work or school, either; hang out with your co-workers or friends instead. You'll be surprised by how quickly you'll start looking at the world in a new way when you get out of your old rut. Routines are a good way to bring order and stability to your life and there's nothing wrong with them. But if you want to be more open-minded, mixing it up once in a while will show you that there's more than one way to live your life. Let's say you planned to stay in all weekend and watch that ''Law & Order'' marathon you've been craving. Your friend invites you to her beach house at the last minuteif you want to start changing your life for the better and to be more open to new experiences, then you better say yes.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Embrace the unknown. Don't knock anything before you try it. Just say "yes" instead of "no. Learn to examine every situation from multiple angles. Think of three positive things for every negative one. Pick up a completely new hobby. Mix up your routine.
Article: Neon bar signs make classic man cave decor, as do old-fashioned liquor ads and traffic signs with funny messages or images. You can buy these from specialized stores or online, so there's no need to look for one that "just fell off the truck." You can also search online for "man cave decorations" or "man cave signs." Display posters of your favorite actors, athletes, or anything you like. Frame your favorite movie posters in lighted frames, or negotiate with other people in your house to move a couple pieces of wall decor into your cave. Posters of models are another classic man cave decoration, although they can be a sore point for some spouses and partners. Hang up your medals and place your trophies proudly on the top shelf. If you hunt, fish, or play sports, display your equipment, along with photographs of great moments. Your man cave is also the perfect place to display any collection you have, or at least the most prized examples. There should be plenty of small things for you and your mates to grab during the lull in TV, audio, or video game activity. Include such items as: Magazines and books 3D puzzles, handheld games and toys, and other small time wasters or challenges Strange gadgets, flea market deals, and other odd, interesting stuff you've picked up especially if your family won't let you keep it anywhere else!
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Add signs to the walls. Put up posters or artwork. Display your trophies, medals, collections, and memorabilia. Keep reading material and gadgets on hand.