It sounds so simple: “take time to stop and enjoy life.” But really that is so much easier said than done. It can be so difficult to balance all that you have going on while trying to not live a passive life. As you’re getting bombarded with assignments crammed in before the semester ends and with summer beginning to come into view, here’s some things to keep in mind…

Today it is insanely easy to get caught up in social media. Don’t get me wrong; I am totally guilty of scrolling through Instagram for lengthy amounts of time, but I don’t want this generation to be known for just getting lost in social networking. Social media is an amazing thing, and I love it. But I can find myself losing track of time checking Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Before you know it several hours have passed and you think, “where did the time go?” Well, it went into seeing other people’s lives. People are posting all of these cool pictures of their adventures, study abroad trips, and everything else on a daily basis. If you are constantly checking other people’s pages, you can get lost watching other people living life while you’re missing out. Don’t be so busy watching other people live their lives that you forget to live yours.

Now, it’s not just social media that can block us from living truly amazing lives; it can be things that are really important like school and work. School can be extremely demanding at times and it can feel so unfair. But no matter how much you don’t wanna go to class or do the homework you still do because ultimately you want that degree (and to get outta school ASAP). Don’t let school get you down; I know that is so hard, but take a break from studying and do things that make you happy. If you are constantly burning yourself out, how are you supposed to enjoy these years of your life?

Along the same lines as school comes work. Work is something unavoidable in everyone’s life. Sometimes you love it, and sometimes you hate it. Regardless, working and earning money for yourself is great and I would encourage everyone to do so. But like with everything else, you need to take time to go out and live your life too. There will always be time for work. In fact, that is probably what you’ll be doing for the next thirty - forty years of your life. Enjoy this time of your life while it’s here. Don’t get so bogged down thinking about the next chapter of your life while this one is still playing out.

GET OUTSIDE! I’ve realized that I can be the kind of person to spend more time inside than outside. But why? There have probably been so many cool opportunities I’ve missed out on from spending time inside rather than adventuring outside. I don’t wanna be like that anymore. I have decided this summer is going to be filled with family, friends, the beach, adventures, and fun. Basically I decided that this summer is going to be about living life to the fullest with no regrets. Yes I will still look at social media, yes school will probably be in the back of mind, and yes I will still be working. BUT, I am going to do my best to not let that crowd out the rest of my life.

Go out and see different places. Go on adventures. Spend time with family and friends. Don’t just exist, live.

Here’s to a great rest of the spring semester, amazing summer, and a life lived to the fullest extent.