In reference to the phrases, “Life is short” or “Carpe Diem” we are reminded that life is short, and to live every moment to the fullest. While most everyone would agree with these statements, I wanted to shed some light on reminding everyone to just live. Our schedules are so overwhelmed with extra curricular activities, daily errands, events, and do not even get me started on what a class schedule does to our brains on top of all of this. However, we go through our daily lives, schedules, and motions and forget to take it all in. Life comes with obstacles, stress, and heartache and because of this, I think that we tend to focus more on all of the trouble life brings, instead of just living and appreciating the fact that we woke up this morning. To say that someone always has it worse than we do is an understatement, and why am I exaggerating this? Because we forget to just live. Don’t be afraid to do something that pushes you out of your comfort zone, don’t be afraid to say exactly what you are feeling as long as it is something you’re passionate about, and above all, remember to just live.

Today you probably woke up with a ton of things on your mind. Whether that be your class schedule, errands you have to run, or an event you have been planning for quite some time. All of these things cause us to stress or feel overwhelmed. Instead, I think we should challenge ourselves to be appreciative and just live. Live in these moments. Again, “carpe diem” if you will. This morning others are waking up without loved ones, others are waking up to a disease they are still fighting, and I think that if my dry cleaning and term paper are the only things stressing me out during the week, well life is treating me with some kindness today. We become so caught up in the hustle of our everyday schedules that we forget to stop and take everything in. Maybe sit outside today and study and take in the fresh air around you instead of complaining that it’s too hot. Play in the rain instead of cursing it. Call a grandparent or relative you haven’t spoken to in a while and let them know you were thinking of them. All of these things seem cliché, but they speak so much truth.

So, I challenge you to live in every moment. If you have something to say, then say it. Tomorrow is not promised. If you have been meaning to reach out to someone or do even a simple deed of kindness, then do it. You may make someone’s day without even realizing you have. Life’s stresses cloud the appreciation we should have for simply being alive and in the moment. Remember to be positive. Remember to be grateful. Above all, do not forget to just live. In the end, that is all you are truly responsible for.