When is the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? When is the last time you did something out of the ordinary? When have you gone out of your way to experience something that you’re unfamiliar with?

For a lot of people, including myself at times, the answer is typically that it has been a while, or that they are comfortable with where they’re at. And that’s what gets people stuck in ruts, doing the same things every day and never getting excitement and fulfilment out of life.

The world has so much to offer. There are new places to see, new foods to try, events and festivals to attend, people to meet and so much more.

For the longest time, I found myself getting stuck in my typical habits. I went to class, worked, played baseball and did homework/projects. After many months of that, I felt burnt out.

When I was stuck in the rut, I took everything day-by-day and didn’t plan anything—“my schedule is already set,” I would tell myself. But the biggest problem was that I didn’t leave myself any time for fun, excitement or happiness.

Once I diagnosed the issue, I started to make more time for myself. I took the time to plan ahead and see when work was due throughout the week. After planning that out, I was able to get a head-start on class work so I wasn’t cramming the night before to get something done.

Once I got my homework schedule under control, I still had to work and go to baseball practices/games, but I had more time overall.

I started hanging out with my friends more often. I was going out and doing things around campus or in the surrounding areas. I began to do more things with my family and make time for them, because sometimes we forget how much they do for us.

I took time to go on little adventures throughout the course of the summer, whether it was by myself, with loved ones or friends. I went for walks in parks around where I live and just explored, gathering thoughts and taking in the environment. I spent a weekend in Washington, D.C. with my family, somewhere I had never been before. I had many  relaxing, enlightening experiences that allowed me to expand my mind.

Over the summer, too, I decided to go out of my comfort zone and let God into my life. I have never been an overly faithful person because of my upbringing, but I kept my mind open to the idea and started going to church with my girlfriend. What happened after I started opening up that aspect of my life was amazing.

I was happy. Genuinely and undeniably happy. I used to be in a rut created by habit and lost the grasp I had on my happiness along the way. In the past year or so, I was able to open myself back up, regain control of my life, let myself expand out of my comfort zone and, thanks to help from other people in my life, find that happiness again.

Don’t get stuck in the rut; keep an open mind and stay curious. Try new things. Don’t forget to look out for yourself. Don’t forget to be happy.