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Surviving Isn't Living

How and why you should add more risk and adventure to your life.

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Surviving Isn't Living
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Routine is easy and comforting, and with it comes stability and ease of mind. But routine is often also boring and confining. Don't let your daily schedule prevent you from experiencing the world and living your life.

Think about it, every day you get up, go to class, eat lunch, study, grab dinner, hangout with friends, go to sleep, and then get up the next day to do it all over again. Sometimes you switch it up by going to a new restaurant or hanging out with a new friend, but where's the adventure in that?

The way I see it, living your daily life is great and all, but it doesn't actually feel like living. Living means taking risks, going on adventures, trying something new, and most importantly, having life experiences. Doing the same thing every day doesn't give you any of that. That's why I'm making the choice to live, not just survive, and I think you should too.

I'm not talking about going skydiving or making a move to a different city, sometimes it's the little things that can change up your life.

Here are 10 ways to add a little adventure, to make you a bit uncomfortable, and hopefully a bit inspired.

1. Try a new food.
It seems simple, but it could be life-changing. Try baking that crazy-looking cake you found on Pinterest, but don't think you have the skill to make. Or try a food you've never eaten before, it could be your new favorite.

2. Go to a different bar.
Sure, you know what kind of music they play and the usual crowd at your favorite bar, but why not change it up? Ditch the usual DJ for a bar with a live band. The crowd will differ and so will the experience.

3. Talk to the cute guy/girl in your class.
It's cliché, but relevant. Instead of admiring them from afar, strike up a conversation after class. Who knows where it could lead?

4. Apply for the "impossible" internship.
Stop pining after that perfect internship in London, and just fill out the application already! It doesn't matter if you don't think you'll get it, you won't know if you don't apply.

5. Wear something you usually wouldn't.
Instead of wearing the usual Nike shorts and big t-shirt to class again, try changing it up. Sometimes it's true: If you look good, you feel good.

6. Take a class.
So, you want to try kickboxing or pottery making, but you aren't sure if you'll like it. Take a trial class or stop in at the community center to try it out, you might find your new hobby.

7. Talk to a stranger.
Don't just admire that girl's shirt, tell her how much you like it! A simple compliment could lead to friendship.

8. Take a road trip.
It doesn't have to be far, just get out of your comfort zone and explore an area of the state you've never been to.

9. Go somewhere new.
Go to a new restaurant, store, bar, or a town you've never been to. Experience something different.

10. Be spontaneous.
Take a chance and do something you wouldn't normally do. If a friend asks you to see a concert, say yes.

Life experiences don't have to be huge and life-changing, the little things add up. So do something different today, who knows where it may lead.


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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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