We hear it all the time, to "embrace today" and "live in the moment." Everyone is telling us what we should do, but no one is too specific when it comes to actually accomplishing the vague task. I have a few ideas about how to successfully "live in the moment," so take it with a grain of salt and think about it.
1. Look up on your walk to class. I'm the biggest fan of using my time walking to class to catch up on everything I missed in the Twitter-sphere, but I've come to realize that I take for granted the beautiful university I get to attend. Look away from your phone because who knows? You could see a familiar face, peg a new hammocking spot on campus, or even make eye contact with a stunningly beautiful human being walking down Greek Row. Observe the world around you, because we only get to live in this world for so long.
2. Laugh at your mistakes. Okay, so you fell up the stairs outside your dorm and every possible person you know saw/heard/watched the Snapchat story of it. Or maybe you decided to go out instead of preparing an exam the next day. People make mistakes all the time, and while not all of them are as lighthearted as falling in public, you're supposed to learn from your mistakes. So give it a good laugh, and then think about how you can make it better next time (and follow through with that thought).
3. Reach out to someone you haven't talked to in a while. And no, I'm not talking about your ex. Check up with an old friend. Even a simple "have a great week!" text can spark up hours of conversation.
4. Journal. Try to recount everything that happens each day, and write it down somewhere central. When you look back on these years, memories will become fuzzy and some will slip out of your mind. While TimeHop is great at what it does, having your own personal, unpublished day-by-day life story is even better.
5. Do something for yourself. Whether it's going to the gym, coffee at midnight, or buying a dress simply because it looks cool when you spin in circles, do something that exhilarates you. Try a different drink at your favorite coffee shop, dress up for class, or listen to your middle school throwback playlist. Do something small that brings you joy every day, and you will begin to learn to find bliss in the little things.
I encourage you to embrace each day as it comes, the good and the bad. Wishing you the best day, every day!
