As another school year ends and the summer vibes fill the air, it's important to take a moment to reflect. Believe it or not, almost half of the year is gone; it's time that will never be regained. And more likely than not, most people won't take into account how fast time is moving until a mile stone happens, like graduation, or something terrifying happens to a friend or loved one, or until everyone comes together to count down the last 10 seconds of their year.
More often than not, people tend to take time for granted. Some of this shows through procrastination, putting off that project or paper until the last minute because in the back of your mind you could have sworn you had a week left to complete it, not a day! Or trying to find a way around family events to spend time with friends or a significant other because family is always around ,right? Or even blowing off plans with a friend or someone else because it honestly isn't that big of a deal, is it?
Here's the thing: each and everyone of us are given a certain amount of time in life, and the goal should be to live it to its fullest (I'm sorry that sounds so cheesy). As I learned in my communication class, "It doesn't matter what you're doing; it just matters who you're doing it with." This statement couldn't hold more truth than it already does. Some of the best moments in life are meant to be created with others. Of course this doesn't mean to become dependent on others to be happy, but it means to surround yourself with people that make you happy to be around. There is not enough time in life to be acquainted with people who make you cry, cause you to become unfocused on what's important, and who disrespect through their actions or words.
Every day something unfortunate and terrifying is happening somewhere in the world. Believe me. Just turn on the news. People are losing their loved ones left and right, or are having traumatic experiences that will forever change their identity. So, cherish the people you love and care about while you can, don't be afraid to take risks, treat others kindly, make new friends and don't constantly look at your watch or your phone. There are so many distractions in life -- technology being a big one -- consistently giving us a false idea of reality. Put aside the things that take you away from the present moment. This obviously doesn't mean to cancel your phone plan because it's such a big distraction, but aim to be conscious throughout the day.
Count your blessings, do well to others, find a new hobby that makes you enjoy life even more and laugh as much as you possibly can. As they say, laughter is medicine for the soul. And by respecting your time and respecting others and yourself, life will brighten before you know it, no matter how much time it is that you have left.
