Backstory: This nudge is designed to physically get me out of my comfort zone by exploring new places and trying new things. The “free” part may be the big challenge, and I’m going to need to be a bit creative. Street fairs, talks, programs at the library…? I’m feeling curious, and it feels good.

What Happened: This nudge was crazy-fun! I totally didn’t expect that! Here’s some of what I looked into:

• Upcoming author events at my favorite foodie bookshop. (But I know I’d buy a book, so it doesn’t count as “free”.)
• Checking out a local writers’ group. (A friend sent me the link. It wasn’t the right fit, but I was touched that she is looking for fun things for me to try.)
• A Q&A with a local historian. (He’s promoting his new book, and, well, see bullet #1.)
• A plethora of political events, from rallies to debates to meet ‘n’ greets with candidates.
• Events and workshops at my nearby public library. (Was all set to go to a crafting event, till I saw it was for teens. Then got excited about a read-aloud event*, till I saw it was for toddlers. Sheesh.)
• Open galleries and art shows.
• Food & beverage events. (Found a coffee festival and a “Whiskies of the World” event, but both had hefty admission fees. Phooey. Then found a free chocolate-tasting event. Huzzah!)

What finally sparked my enthusiasm was a link to upcoming holiday events. For several years, my husband and I attended the big tree-lighting ceremony in Union Square the Friday after Thanksgiving. Great way to get into the holiday spirit.

Photo from UnionSquareShop.com

Since this nudge is about finding new things to do, though, I did a little more digging and found:

• A tree lighting of a 100-plus-year-old live maple tree in Golden Gate Park.
• The lighted boat parade on the Bay.

And something else caught my eye on one of those sites, so I clicked through and have added a note to my 2020 calendar to check back in the spring for:

• Japantown’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

What fun new things did you discover?

*With Halloween coming up, I’m reminded of a good friend’s really cool tradition. While waiting for the few trick-or-treaters who come to her door, she and a couple of friends cozy up to a crackling fire and read spooky stories out loud. Think Edgar Allen Poe and his “Tell-tale Heart” or anything by Stephen King. I might have to try this on the 31st.