It is the summer of 2016. I came home from college expecting to have a summer full of work, work, and more work. However, that wasn't the case. This summer I was faced with the reality of pure boredom. I had two options, either stay bored, or create my own adventures and embrace this seemingly boring summer 2016. You can bet your bottom dollar that I chose not to stay in a bubble and do nothing!

Considering how much free time I would have on my hands, I began to explore my options as to what I could possibly do. My first mission was to start reading again. The first chance I got, I headed to a book store. What a coincidence that the book I was reading inspired me to channel my inner self. Every day I'd disconnect from the world. Netflix was my ultimate best friend! Other times I'd find myself in the kitchen cooking up a storm, or sometimes just chilling with a glass of wine. With so much time to myself, I was able to find myself. I became comfortable with being my own company. I think that it's so important for people to be able to be okay with being alone. I found my peace with being alone. Sometimes it's easy for people to be so wrapped up in being "with the crowd" that they don't get a chance to learn themselves and what they like. Aside from my me time, I took late night trips around my city. Seeing things from a different perspective, in a different light...it expands the mind. Feeling the wind flow through my hair, seeing downtown, and just being out of the house period gave me an amazing feeling. I was living.

I encourage any and everyone to explore. Explore the world, explore yourself, and be as free as you possibly can be. Dance with a stranger. It may seem awkward, but it's a memory that you'll never forget. Stand on the balcony of a hotel and tell the world how in love you are. Be courageous in this grey world. You only have one life, so why not live it!