It’s ironic I chose the number 7 since I have a fear of odd numbers. I also have a fear of rabbits, so my life is completely irrational and you probably shouldn’t take any of my advice. I should also probably tell you that I never envisioned myself living past 27. It’s a weird and spooky feeling I’ve had since I can remember. Last September, I turned 27 and was convinced this was my last year. I know that sounds absolutely horrifying and most likely another irrational fear of mine, but it’s been in the back of my head for so long I can’t shake it. I guess on the bright side when I live to be 28 I will have a whole new life to live…

So these are things that I have thought about, since if I really am going to die at 27 I needed to know if my life has been fulfilled. I guess it depends on what makes you happy and what fulfills you, but here are 7 things I believe are for everyone.

1. Tell someone all your secrets.

Okay, stupid right? But seriously we have some pretty fucked up things we hide and keep secret. We ALL do. Or at least I definitely do. And let me tell you, having at least one person you can tell all that to is life changing. That person who lets you say and do what you need is worth going to the ends of the world for. Trust me everyone deserves that kind of relationship.

2. Find a place that opens your eyes, your heart, and your mind.

This could be traveling, it could be curled in your bed under a mountain of blankets, it could be swimming in the ocean, or anywhere under the sun. Just find that place and don’t stop going there. It’s the easiest form of meditating, you will find strength, ideas, love, energy, and happiness there.

3. Eat chocolate.

Okay so believe it or not, I used to not like chocolate. I mean I would eat it but I didn’t actually enjoy it until a few years ago. And let me tell you I was definitely stupid before. Chocolate is everything. Just eat it.

4. Spend an entire day with a toddler.

I know this may sound horrifying to some people. And to be honest it will get horrifying, especially if they are not potty trained. But oh my God, you have to do it. We can all learn something wonderful from spending a day with a Toddler. It may be their natural ability to love or their wonder to explore what surrounds them or their need to feel protected and safe. But it will change your views on the world if you let it.

5. Forgive.

Ugh. This one is super cliché but it’s necessary. Coming from me, I have to say sometimes forgiving someone is the hardest thing in the world to do. I can’t tell you how horrible it is to have to truly forgive someone, especially if they have caused you tremendous pain and misery. Now I don’t mean forgive someone for eating your leftovers, I mean the most horrible person who’s done the most unimaginable thing to you, forgive them for it. Find a reason to forgive them, whether it be a legit one or irrational who cares, but allow that to be your reason and take it. Because the moment you do you will feel relief, and to be honest they most likely don’t deserve any of your extra thoughts or energy, so relieving yourself of it is far better than those negative feelings.

6. Do something dangerous.

Probably not great advice, I’m sure. But I can’t tell you a better time that I felt so alive than the times where I was scared out of my mind. Most of my experiences were most likely illegal and I would never do them again. Okay maybe I would, but I’m not convinced I’m going to live to see 28, so I don’t really count. It doesn’t really have to be extreme or entirely dangerous. Sky diving isn’t dangerous and that would be effective, but my point is to find something that scares you and do it anyways. We need to push ourselves to our limits and overcome obstacles we think we can’t do. You will feel grounded and uplifted in the same instant.

7. Roll down a grass hill.

Bet you didn’t see that one coming. But remember when you were a kid and you rolled down the hill? No? That was just me and my neighbors? Ah, well it was fun as hell and if I could do it right now I totally would. It’s such a simple act that is just so fun. Yeah, you end super dizzy but that’s the best part. You lay on your back and watch the world above you spin and you’re pinned to the ground with a huge smile on your face because you’re a kid and you don’t give a shit about the grass in your hair and the mud on your jeans. And when I think back on my last 27 years I think about all the times my life has been a complete whirlwind and I how had no control and how I have spent countless nights laying on my back staring up at the world spinning around me and had no clue what was going to come next. And, to finish this metaphor I was going with, every hill I have tumbled down has been totally worth it.