We have a single life to live. And even then, there is a catch. Though we think we have an entire lifetime, we might not even have tomorrow. Today might actually be the last day of our lives. We could die in a car accident or a robbery gone wrong in just a few hours. And before I go any further I would like to say I am not a doomsayer. At all. In fact, I am ridiculously, annoyingly optimistic. And this article is not meant to scare you, but rather, inspire you. Just keep reading. I want to get a point across to you.
Take a moment and make an imaginary list of all the things you want to do. I know I want to learn sign language, go on an overseas missions trip, and binge watch all of the Star Wars movies with junk food. Do you want to learn to cook or play guitar? Do you want to reconnect with long lost family? Do you want to have a better relationship with Christ? What are the things you want to do? Seriously, think about it. Now how many of those things are you putting off or waiting for a more convenient time? We think we have all the time in the world, but we don't. We only have now. So let's stop waiting and finally seize the day.
Life is chaotic and busy. We have so much going on all the time. Balancing school: a social life: a spiritual life: work: relationships: and a personal life takes a lot of time and effort. Even finding the time to learn guitar can prove quite challenging. So obviously going back to school to get a degree seems even more impossible. But find the time. Somehow. Make it work because life really is too short for regret.
Live the life you have always imagined. Be the person you have always wanted to be. If you want that degree, get that degree. If you want to develop a better relationship with your father, then make that phone call. If you want to run a marathon, start training today. Just stop waiting. Take the steps necessary to make your dreams true.
And sometimes time does not stand in the way of what you want to do. Sometimes, fear keeps your feet grounded or your mouth shut. Sometimes you do not say what you want or do what you want for fear of what might happen. Maybe you are too scared to tell the person you love, you love them. What if they don't love you back? What will happen then? Or maybe you refuse to audition for a role in a play because you do not want to fail or mess up. You are not a slave to fear though. You are bold and courageous. And this is your life. Start living it.
This mentality of boldness and courage carries over to everyday life as well. Finally give the cute barista your number. Or strike up a conversation with the man that rides the same subway as you everyday. Dance in the rain instead of walking under an umbrella. Make the most of life and live without regrets. As a sidenote, I do not advise "YOLO," which functions as an excuse to do stupid things. Instead, live a fulfilled, enriched life and make every moment count.
So, what do you want? Make it happen, even though it will most likely be difficult. Whether you are telling someone you screwed up and want a second chance or if you decide to adopt a child, you can do it. Time nor fear should stop you from living your life. Regrets will eat you up and spit you out. And you should do even little things like learning to make sushi or going skydiving. Just live your life to the fullest. Because if you keep waiting for tomorrow, tomorrow might never come. Turn tomorrow into today.
Carpe diem.
