The other day, a good friend of mine and I were sitting in a coffee shop just catching up on life. We talked about our semesters, spring break, careers, taxes etc.

Taxes. Ugh. We came to the horrible realization that we are finally at the point in our lives where we could sit, drink coffee, and talk about taxes — like we were grown ups or something.

We are becoming grown ups. Ew.

Our conversation revealed a fear that I think we both share — the fear of being boring. I don’t want to sit around drinking coffee (or tea rather) and talking about taxes each year; I don’t want to be stuck in the same routine. I don’t want to be boring.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the rhythm of life — Monday through Friday I split my time between work and two jobs, and I spend my weekends attempting to catchup on sleep, see friends, and do more work. Weeks seem to fly by with very little variation. Those are the times I hate the question, “so what have you been up to?” … “Oh, you know, just work and school.” One of my big fears is that I will always answer that question the same way.

It doesn’t take much to quench this fear, however. Spontaneity is the remedy for me. After my friend and  finished our drinks, we decided to go get our ears pierced. We spent the rest of the day wandering around Montgomeryville. Later that week, we spent a day getting lost in rural Pennsylvania and local craft stores — something out of the ordinary, and, importantly, out of the house. It’s amazing the wonders fresh air and blue skies can do for the soul.

Naming my fear, admitting to it out loud helped me put a “face” on it and better understand how to deal with it. Even little adventures or risks can cure the ailment of boredom.