The Smithsonian museums are actually many museums in Washington DC. If you have the opportunity, you should spend some time exploring their collections. They are free to visit and offer a wide range of artifacts to view.
art
#109 – display artwork
Include artwork in your life. You can display it in your home. You can display it on your screen. You can add bumper stickers to your car. Add art to your workstation. Display artwork throughout the environments where you live your life.
#98 – paint
Pull out that tray of watercolor paints from elementary school, and paint a picture. It can be abstract. It can be realistic. It can be soft and flowing, or use saturated colors. Listen to music while you paint. You will find it calming and it will reawaken your creative side. Paint.
#93 – listen to records
There is something so nostalgic and beautiful about the analog sound that comes from a record. Plus there is the joy from simply using a record player: Pulling the record from the album sleeve. Setting the player speed to the correct setting. Aligning the needle at the edge of the record, or beginning of a particular song. The click when the turntable starts to rotate. Listen to records.
#89 – visit a quirky museum
We’ve all seen or heard about small, local museums dedicated to a specific topic. They can be about local history, a particular product, or type of art. Even the history of a business or location. Visit these museums. The Shell Museum. The SPAM Museum. The World’s Smallest Art Museum. You’ll get more out of the experience than you ever thought possible.
#79 – read classic books
Books become classics for a reason. Leaders and innovators from the past read and learned from these same books. Even though times have changed, there is always something to relate to and remember our similarities as people. Read classic books!
#67 – go to the theatre
Get tickets to see a play or musical. Take in the atmosphere. Study the set and costumes. Enjoy the music and story. Stretch your legs during intermission. Enjoy the show!
#44 – try improv
Take a formal class, join a troupe, or try it with friends or family. It is difficult at first, but with practice you will find it gets your creative juices flowing, and helps increase your confidence.
#30 – sing
Sing in the shower. Sing in the car. Sing with friends. Even if you are out-of-tune, or don’t know all of the lyrics, don’t be afraid to sing.
#27 – learn to sew
Whether it’s for replacing a lost button, making your own pillows or curtains, or designing an elaborate costume, everyone should learn to sew. It can be a simple whip stitch that you sew by hand, or go all out and buy a sewing machine for heavy-duty projects.
be a nicer you 