With another year coming to a close, I began reflecting on the new interests I have found. I didn't want to make this article too long, so I've narrowed my newly-found favorites down to a top 10 list. Maybe this list may inspire you all to find new interests as well! I hope that you have a great start to year 2017!

1. The Following

The Following is a show that came out years ago and I never got around to watching it then. I feel so ashamed! This show is brilliant. Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy are superb in their portrayals of these two completely different-yet somewhat similar- characters. If you haven't seen this show then you need to stop what you are doing and go watch it on Netflix right now. It's creepy, thrilling, and suspenseful. This is one of those storylines with an antagonist that you may end up actually liking. The only bad thing is that there's only 3 seasons... I got through the first season in a blink of an eye and now I am actually holding off on watching the rest because I'm dreading to reach the final episode! Seriously, this show is THAT good!

(Image credit: atlantablackstar.com)

2. Cape May

Ah, lovely Cape May, NJ. I can't express how much I adore this place. I am head over heels in love. My parents used to go to Cape May all of the time, but my first visit was at the beginning of this year. We spent a week there this past summer and as you can tell by my picture, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. It's a very relaxing spot to be in. I can't wait to spend another week there this summer coming up!

3. Poetry... Especially works by Walt Whitman

This was a shocker for me. I had never enjoyed poetry much. In fact, I was dreading the poetry class that I had to take last semester. That class allowed me to change my entire outlook when it comes to poetry though. I love to read poems now, especially Walt Whitman's pieces.

(Image credit: me)

4. The band Heart

I'm slightly cheating on this one. I've loved Heart ever since I was 11 years old. Over the years, I haven't listened to them consistently, but this past summer made me remember why I love this band so much. I went to see them in concert and it was one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had. Even though Heart is a group that I haven't listened to the most often over the years, I still consider them my favorite band. No other musical group compares to the amount of happiness I feel whenever I listen to music by this band. Ann and Nancy Wilson are extremely talented, even today, and their outlook on music is truly inspirational.

(Image credit: heart-music.com)

5. Jane the Virgin

Jane the Virgin was recommended to me by a friend and I'm so glad she told me to watch it! This show is hilarious but so deep at the same time. It's one of those feel-good things to watch whenever you feel like you need a pick-me-up. The cast is excellent and the storyline is so unique. I still have a lot of catching up to do but I highly recommend this show if you haven't seen it already!

6. Peppermint green tea

If I had a choice between drinking tea or coffee, I'd always go with tea. Coffee is nice but tea is something that I feel like I can drink all of the time. Up until this year, though, I've only ever enjoyed the plain tea. I started drinking peppermint green tea a few weeks ago and it has quickly become a favorite of mine! It is the perfect calming tea to drink at night or in the morning when you are preparing for a long day ahead.

7. Philosophy

I know what you may be thinking: philosophy? really? Yes. It's strange but this is probably one of the most fascinating topics I have ever learned about in my whole life. My philosophy class this past semester taught me to think in ways that I never thought possible. In fact, I chose to take another philosophy course in the spring just because I love it so much! If you ever get a chance to take a philosophy course in college, I recommend that you give it a shot! You may be surprised by how much you can learn.

8. Hamilton

I've jumped on the bandwagon for this play a few months ago. Hamilton is probably the most unique production of any play I've ever heard of. The style is completely modern for a story being about Alexander Hamilton. Young people love this show, and with good reason. I'm sure no one ever expected to ever cry over the story of Alexander Hamilton, but you may need several tissues if you see this play. I've only listened to the soundtrack, but I can't imagine how spectacular this play must be to see in person.

9. Stranger Things

Stylistically, Stranger Things is a blast from the past. This Netflix series left me wanting more in the best way possible. The first season is only 8 episodes long and I can't wait for the second season to come out! I'm not going to spoil anything, don't worry. What I will say is that this show exhibits monsters, close bonds between friends and family, as well as a sense of nostalgia that people of all ages can appreciate.

10. Phantom of the Opera

Okay, I may be cheating with this one as well. That's because I first became familiar with Phantom of the Opera back in 2015. However, I became exposed to the music and storyline the most during this past year. What else can I say about this play other than the fact that it is a masterpiece? I had written a whole article dedicated to this show and I can go on for days about different aspects of it that work so perfectly to portray a touching story. I will never forget the time that I saw this play at the Majestic Theatre in New York. I hope to be able to go see it again someday. It's one of those productions that will tug at your heart strings no matter how many times you watch it or listen to the music.

(Image credit: me)