Lately, I have begun to realize one of the most important lessons in life. I have realized how significant every single moment of our lives are. It is often said not to "take life for granted" and to "seize the moment", but how often are we really doing so? For me, personally, it is rare.

Being human, we are constantly filling every second of our time with something. We live a busy lifestyle. That's just the way that the world seems to work. We get so caught up in working, a task at hand, or in a struggle that we fail to realize just how important every single second is. Regardless of the kind of day that you are having, you must be able to see the good in every situation; the good in every moment. Believe me, I know that this is not an easy task. We lose sight of the things that we perceive as important. We are more worried about what is next on our to-do list than we are taking a second to appreciate the little things in life.

Can you imagine what the world would be like if we all changed our perspective on life? If we all began to seek the good in people and the good in the world. If we all were determined to love and to build others up rather than tearing them down. Y'all, I know how dark the world is. I see the hatred every single day. We get fed up with others or we grow impatient and we let the ugliness within ourselves begin to show. We do not think about what kind of day that another person may be having, we just act out of impulse. It is amazing how far one act of love and kindness can go.

I have trouble seeing the good in the world. The world is dark and unexplainable. We have become numb to the news of bombings and the horrific things that we hear on the news because those things are not new news. We have accepted that is just how the world works and that some things have to happen that way in order for it to be a better place. This is where our mentality needs to be changed. This is where we need to break down walls and just love each other, and life, wholeheartedly. When you change your mentality, you change your life.

Stop with the negative thoughts. Stop tearing people down. Stop waiting for the world to fix itself. See the good in every single moment. With every moment that passes by, you have the opportunity to make the world a better place. Regardless of how cliche that may sound, the opportunities that you are presented with each and every day are endless. Not only that, but we need to begin showing each other that there is good in the world.

With each moment that passes by, there is a moment that you will never get back. Are you going to continue in negative thoughts or are you going to rise above and make the most of your time while you still have it? Ultimately, the choice is up to you. You are the only one who can choose to see the importance of every second that passes by. It is there for your taking.

I have realized that though life may not be easy, life is worth it. This life is beautiful. You just have to open your eyes and your mind enough to see that. So keep pushing, follow the things that make you happy, and do not settle for anything less than you deserve. This life is a gift even when it may not seem like it at times. See the good in every moment; do not waste a single one. If you fail to do this, you may have some regrets later in life. Take the opportunity while it is right in front of you. A moment is such a simple thing to seize and if you do that daily, I promise that your life, and your mentality, will begin to change.

Loyally,

Jamie