to do list (part one)

With the weekend getting closer, I think it’s safe to annoy you with another list. You're almost there now,  so bear with me. You can surf back to your favorite cats and hats website any moment now. 
But first: the final two parts of the list… 

If you put all those lists  together, you might imagine why I haven’t already tried out everything yet. But like I told you before: give it a try. Some resulted in interesting experiences. Most of them came naturally; I just needed a little push.

DO (part one)

1)      Do something cultural. There is so much more to see than fifty shades of hay. 

Even though not every cultural activity will be satisfying, it’s worth the risk. Some projects will make you think, while other expand your experiences. Why not bring a friend along to discuss it afterward, or share the agony?
And hey, if you’re on a holiday you do visit museums and attend shows, almost at a daily basis, so why not support your local cultural movement? You might run into some interesting people.

2)      Listen to reggae (or whatever music reminds you of that wonderful time you had on your holiday).  

Sometimes all you need is a certain sound or a melody to be carried back into the bliss of times long gone. So if you want to feel great, put on a song that was playing when you felt great. Your brain will remember the feeling that went with it. Of course under no circumstances can I advice you to play the soundtracks from the sound of music (or sister act). There is something unsettling about singing nuns.

3)      Make pictures that anchor a good state of mind. This can be done not only on a holiday, but just as well back home.
Too often people make bland pictures of their companions, or worse themselves (thank you very much shelfy shtick), striking a pose next to ancient monuments without understanding the meaning or the history behind those structures; putting up a big grin to show the home front how much 'fun' they’re having… ugh, forgive my rant.
Why not make pictures of things that made you smile? Capture memories of things or people who gave you the feeling of tranquility/bliss/whatever. Keep those pictures close to you, and whenever you feel down, look at them again. Fragments of those previous feelings will come back to you.

4)      Turn off the TV/computer. Tune in on what/who is outside.  

We’re all gazing too much at the bits and bytes that lie between the four corners of our electronic devises. But the world they show is seldom real. It is directed, censored, or filtered at best. If you want to be informed about something: experience it, or talk to those who have. It may change your view on the world drastically.
Or is it entertainment you seek? Plenty of entertainment outside, if you learn how to look for it. Just try it, everything’s a game. I’m not kidding: try, stop reading these words and experience it firsthand. I’ll wait… still waiting… come on go! Your people need you. 

5)      GET OUT THERE!