1. Make a list of everything that’s brilliant, try not to add things that are materialistic, but try to add at least one thing everyday. For instance, my list includes: Jim Dale’s voice when he reads Harry Potter and the fact that the unicorn is the national animal of Scotland (seriously, you can look this up.)
2. Take a philosophy class. I took a class called Ethics and the Rwandan Genocide at summer camp (shout out to any Med-o-larkers that read this list). Taking a class on ethics was one of the most interesting things I have ever done.
3. Listen to as much music as possible. Don’t limit yourself to what’s on the top 40s, or just generally on the radio. Personally my two favorite bands are Coheed & Cambria (shout out to any children of the fence reading this list) and Delta Rae. Now these bands are polar opposites on the music spectrum, but both groups are incredible.
4. Find a favorite stand-up comedian, there’s nothing better than a good laugh. My favorite is Scottish Comedian, Daniel Sloss.
5. Find and listen to a really good podcast. Now I know most people are busy talking about Serial right now, but I really like comedy podcasts (especially at the gym). My current favorites include The Carl Donnelly and Chris Martin Comedy Podcast and Anna Faris is Unqualified.
6. Learn everything you can about one thing that most people wouldn’t know much about. For instance I have a weird encyclopedic knowledge about the musical RENT.
7. Do something that will give you an adrenaline rush. It could be something that just really excites you, or it could be the thing that terrifies you most. Personally, my favorite rush comes from getting onstage and singing with my band.
8. Travel. I know this one is on almost everyone’s list, but that’s just because the world is an amazing place, and everyone should try and experience it.
9. Reach out to a stranger, be it at a coffee shop or even on Tinder. You never know who you could meet and what kind of conversation you could end up having!
10. Lastly, just be nice. It’s such a simple principle, and yet it seems to be one of the hardest things to do. Just smile when you walk down the street, or hold the door, sometimes it’s the simplest thing that can turn someone’s day around.
I’d love to hear what you find, and I’d be happy to be the stranger you reach out to!
Sophia
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DC