When commuting to school or work via public transportation, it’s difficult to make the time go by fast.

Instead of spending the hour texting, listening to music or skimming through Instagram, there are other ways to make use of your time. I have a love/hate relationship with technology and use the time I sit on the Long Island Rail Road to do other things.

1. Read a book.

Instead of daydreaming or sleeping on your commute, read a book that will change your life. Knowledge is the most valuable thing a person can acquire.

Recently, I finished reading GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso. It’s a memoir-like business guide about Sophia’s life through her failures and success. She started an eBay account selling vintage clothing and now her company, Nasty Gal is worth over $130 million.

It’s truly an inspiring book and motivates women to follow their dreams, no matter the obstacle.

I started reading this book while I was job hunting and it was exactly what I needed for a little motivation. Sophia advises readers on the do’s and don’ts of interviews, cover letters and the work place. Girl Boss seriously got me though my job search and gave me the confidence and attitude I needed. Now I am working in New York City at a Tech PR firm and I couldn’t be happier.

One paragraph that really stood out to me in the book was,

“Focus on the positive things in your life and you’ll be shocked at how many more positive things start happening. Before you start to think you just got lucky, remember that it’s magic and you made it yourself.”

It made me view life from a totally different perspective. People don’t just “get lucky,” it’s called putting hard work and determination.

2. Get inspired.

After hopping off the train each morning I purposely pass a coffee shop that posts an inspirational quote outside the door. I like reading quotes in random places because it’s right in front of me. They tend to stick more and usually stop me in my tracks.

“We want to do a lot of stuff; we’re not in great shape. We didn’t get a good night’s sleep. We’re a little depressed. Coffee solves all these problems in one delightful little cup.” ~ Jerry Seinfeld

The coffee shop always ties coffee and motivational quotes together which is pretty clever. I remember there were a few days the shop didn’t post a quote and I was pretty disappointed. I almost went inside to ask why they’ve been putting it off, but I didn’t want to be that annoying person.

I also find street art fascinating. Maybe it’s the form of free expression or original art that I admire. Once when I was in the East Village in NYC I actually witnessed a man spray painting a dumpster. I was surprised he was able to do this without the police harassing him. It’s nice to see art around the city because with all the serious sky scrapers and cranky people, we need a little inspiration.

3. Commit an act of kindness.

Selfless acts are the best kind of acts.

Instead of spending that dollar on a piece of candy, donate it to someone in need. Each week I donate to a new homeless person on my walk to work. It’s important to give back because a small amount goes a long way. Random acts of kindness go a long way.

I am trying to become a better “me” and even make the world a better place. I’ve noticed that when I’ve taken a positive approach to any situation, I always see a positive end result. People who spread negativity are like expired milk, they won’t do anyone any good.

When I’m having a bad day, I try to remember the positive things in my life because even the little things aren’t so little at all. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that happiness is the best route.

4. Write, write, write!

Writing is the best thing for the soul.

It’s important to let your voice be heard, no matter who you are.

I started writing short picture books when I was six-years-old, which I still have to this day. As I got older I began to write poetry and even dabbled in song writing. Growing up, I was very shy and writing was a way for me to speak my mind.

For the past few years I have been blogging personally and professionally. It has become something I am truly passionate about. My two favorite topics to write about consist of technology and relationships. I have even written a few posts incorporating both.

Writing has helped me figure out who I am and will continue to shape the person that I plan to be.

5. Meet new people.

Maybe the person sitting next to you on the train could be a new friend.

Sometimes the best people we meet are not in ordinary places.

About a month ago, a cute guy sat next to me on the train. He asked me where I was going and I said that I had just come from an interview. He talked my ear off the entire ride and informed me that he had a gut feeling I got the job. I figured he was just probably trying to flirt with me, and shrugged it off.

Two days later I got a call and received a job offer. I never saw the guy again but it would have been nice to share the news.

Working all week long has shown me that there are not enough hours in the day. I try to use the time on my commute to do the things I may not have time for during the week. Instead of listening to music or texting your entire commute, try something new.

Each day we find out new things about ourselves along this journey we call life.