For months my friends and I all planned out the perfect trip to Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. We had it all laid out, who’s bringing what tents, who is in who's car, all down to the last tiny detail. I’d been told repetitively what to expect, but nothing could prepare me for what I was about to experience.

It’s something indescribable. My first steps on the farm, I was already in sensory overload. I’ve never seen so many happy people before in my life. It was as if all of the strangers there had already decided they were going to be friends with each other. You could strike up a conversation with any person you walk past and they’d respond as if you’d known each other for years. High fives here, high fives there, I quickly learned that there were no “strangers” on the farm, only people I’d yet to talk to.

I’ve never been the type of person to be afraid of being myself, but when you’re at Bonnaroo, they want to pull that person out of you. They want you to act wild, be friendly, meet people. And nobody judges you when you do. You could be waiting in line to get food and break out into cartwheels and backflips, and rather than looking at you like you’re crazy, you’d probably acquire a fan club. Everybody at this festival wanted everyone else to have as much fun as they were.

I almost forgot I was there to see music after the sun went down on day one. It was as if the whole Bonnaroo experience was based on how beautiful and positive everybody was, I practically forgot that wasn’t why I was there. The stages were magnificent and the crowds were so exciting, but the most beautiful part was all of the people in the audience being there for the same reason; the music. Everybody was singing the words right back to the performer, and all for different reasons. Fields full of thousands of compassionate people will really make it difficult to go back to a regular concert venue.

I remember one night specifically, it was day three. I was dirty, sweaty, hot, tired, just plain worn out, and I took it upon myself to go back to the campsite early and miss two sets. I was pretty upset but I knew it was what was best if I wanted to enjoy day four. I pouted the whole walk home, but my fellow Bonnaroovians were not having it. “Hey,” I get high-fived, “I love your smile!” Another high-five, “You are such a beautiful person!” “No frowns allowed!” Honestly, it helped. Sure, maybe I was upset with myself for missing a couple sets, but if these people that I don’t even know want me to be happy that bad, I will.

I’ve brought this feeling back home with me. I smile at every person I make eye contact with. I strike up a conversation if the eye contact lasts more than a few seconds. And let me tell you something, it’s a great way to live. Bonnaroo isn’t just a festival. It’s its own little world, and coming back to the real world afterward is a pretty big culture shock, considering the state it’s been in lately. But Bonnaroo taught me that a simple smile and kind words can go a long way. The best thing we can do in this world is to be kind to each other, and radiate positivity. You’d be shocked how much your life changes when you do.