[Flipping through my course notes the other day, I came across a long, scribbled list of things to do, dated sometime in November. This, of course, is how I effectively occupy my time during psychology lectures. Some of these items I do already. Many of them I want to do more often. All of them are concrete do-able things, none of them difficult, or so I believe. Try them out yourself, too. Let me know how it goes. Here’s half of it.]

to-do list, part 1

- Smile at strangers. Watch their faces light up as they smile back.

- Buy a child a pack of crayons and a pad of construction paper. Spend an hour drawing or coloring with him/her.

- Color outside the lines. Autograph the drawing. Hang it proudly on the fridge.

- Show people they are loved. [Courtesy of Abez, who wrote a beautiful post about this once.]

- Sit outside and watch the butterflies flitting around. Sit still and don’t flinch at the bees.

- Go to a public park and spend some time on the swings.

- Strike up more conversations with total strangers.

- Walk around outside barefoot.

- Write real letters. Don’t forget to mail them, too.

- Laugh too loudly. When people look over at you, laugh louder.

- Feed the ducks.

- Don’t comb your hair for a day (or two, or three). Don’t care.

- Sing songs from your childhood, loudly and off-key.

- Buy a meal for a stranger.

- Write a letter to God. [Courtesy of Javed, whose letter I borrowed here.]

- Talk less. Talk more. Whichever is applicable.

- Lie down on the grass and stare at the sky.

- Take the back-roads. Get lost. It’s okay.

- Blow air-kisses.

- Pay for the car behind yours at the tollbooth.

- Speak in a voice different from your normal one, all day. [Courtesy of Chai, whose actual advice was, “Walk around everywhere speaking with a voice that is unbefitting your body type.” Absolutely hilarious.]

- Tell yourself you are beautiful. Believe it.

- Invest in flip-flops. Toe socks optional.

- Call up a long-lost friend.

- Give someone the gift of your time and undivided attention.

- Crinkle your eyes when you smile. Make it look genuine, not as if you’re squinting.

- Buy more fuzzy socks.

- Pick flowers for special people.

- Open the door for someone.

- Go on road trips. Drive safely.

- Volunteer. For something. Anything.

[If you have any to add, share ‘em in the comment box.]