10 Things I Love That Are Free

A 20 minute walk in nature without any technology in sight is a balm for the soul and your health. Try it.

The library system where I live is truly world class. I can get my hands on the most important books/resources of pretty much any topic under the sun for next to nothing (I've been known to pay late fees because let's face it: sometimes, two weeks isn't enough).

I also get FREE access to the internet.

This could fall under topic one, but I'm going to make it separate. I love swimming in the ocean and surfing. It resets me and helps manage stress. It's a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of our always on, technology driven culture.

In the summer, it's technically not free, as some beaches here on Long Island charge access or parking fees. But it's free all other times, and I do love cold water swims.

How many true friends does one person have in a lifetime? Not many. Facebook has changed the definition of "friend" for many.....but most of our "friends" on Facebook are tenuous at best. Cherish the real friends in your life who have your back in good times and bad. They're rare.

When we laugh, we feel good. Laughter reduces stress, allows us to bond with others. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

My family has enjoyed a flourishing tomato garden this year. There's nothing like enjoying the fruits of nature, literally. While truly living off of the land is out of reach for the majority of us, getting a small taste of it is wonderful and satisfying.

When I was growing up, long distance phone calls were expensive. These days, I can have a video chat with someone on the other side of the world in an instant, virtually free of charge.

Fresh produce at affordable rates.

Technically not 100% free, but compared to private ownership of a motor vehicle, it is.

Great tool to use to keep in shape. They're really versatile and there are exercises that you can do with them for almost any muscle in the human body. Great way to stay fit without the expensive gym memberships.