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I recently created a Formspring account, a nifty little service which allows people to ask a particular user any question that they fancy (so, essentially, a massive, self-indulgent - yet utterly fun - way to waste time!) and yes, I can almost HEAR the reactions: ''if I read ONE more blog that mentions Formspring this week, I think I'm going to haul my computer out the window!'' But stop! Let's not get all throw-crazy! There is a point to its existence!

Now, apart from providing users the opportunity to ask glorious (!) questions such as ''would you rather be skinny with an ugly face or fat with a pretty face?'' (and yeowch, what an unpleasant question that was..) and ''who is the most famous person that you know?'', (answer: Snoop Dogg. Okay, that's a lie. Actual answer: my first cousin, actress Melanie Lynskey!) it also provides users the opportunity to ask SERIOUS questions, such as ''I'm so bored with my life. How do I get out of this rut?''

Which is exactly what I was asked this evening. And precisely what I'm responding to now!

So, how do you free yourself from the clutches of a major rut-o-rama? Why, invite some adventure into your life! Big, juicy, delicious chunks of it. Here's how:

x Dedicate at least ONE day a week to trying something completely out of the ordinary: a tarot card reading? A line dancing class? Flying a kite? Throwing a seaside picnic? Getting your handwriting analyzed? It doesn't have to be expensive, but it does need to be something different! If you've fallen into a rut, chances are that you've become disenchanted with everything around you, and have forgotten what it feels like to exude pure, unadulterated, glowing joy. Stepping outside of your comfort zone and participating in a new experience is a simple, yet effective, way to reignite your internal spark, and to remind yourself just how many marvellous activities there are out there for you to discover!

x Google your local community college, review their list of short courses, and decide to enrol in an upcoming class. (Bonus points if it's something that you've never considered doing before, such as pottery, DIY renovations, tango dancing or learning how to knit scarves for seals!) Not only does acquiring a new skill keep your mind sharp, improve your memory and increase your self-confidence, it presents a wonderful avenue to meet and mingle with fabulous new people, and fills you with a sense of accomplishment. N-i-c-e.

x Every fortnight, whether it's your beloved, a flatmate or your best friend, ask somebody else to choose your outfit for you for the following day. (Because it's all about breaking the ROUTINE! And who knows, they could pull out something so obscenely phenomenal that you suddenly develop an ingenious new style! Just make sure the selector in question isn't, well, your cat.)

x Invest in a paddling pool.

x Practice speaking to somebody new every day, or having an extensive conversation with someone that you wouldn't usually engage with on a deeper level than ''hello!''. EVERYONE has an incredible tale to tell, and there's a lesson to be learned from every single one of them.

x Walk into a hairdressing salon and allow them to do whatever they want.

x Host a party, complete with a selection of excellent appetizers, homemade cocktails and decadent invitations! Not sure what to celebrate? Why not throw a tupperware or clothing exchange party? Or a fancy-dress party, whereby everyone must wear an item from their wardrobes that they've always wanted to whirl out, but have never had the appropriate venue to showcase it in? (That bedazzled, rhinestone-encrusted piece that you bought from a second-hand store because it was so charmingly ridiculous, but haven't actually worn? Perfect!) Or a 70's party?

x Plan a roadtrip or mini-holiday. I firmly believe that travel is a solution to ANY crisis!

x Carry a stash of magical weapons with you (water pistol? Tick. A pot of bubble mixture? Tick. A glistening wand? Tick, tick!) and use them to unexpectedly amuse strangers.

♥

What's your favourite way to incorporate more adventure into your life?

xoxo

(Image thanks to ko.ttur.)