Enjoy being young. As a gerontology major who cares for older adults I hear these words daily. For every time my response is "I will try" with a smile...but am I really trying? Are any of us REALLY trying?

We all have things we look back on no matter what age we are. It's impossible not to reflect on the past and perfectly natural to think about the future. We're all guilty of it. Thinking about things we wish we could have done differently and wishing time would go by so we can get to something else. This has to stop. We have to learn to live in the moment and appreciate the little things that go by all too quickly.

So many of those that I care for tell stories about when they were younger. I see the happiness in their eyes telling some stories and I see the sadness as they remember others. They are always quick to give advice and to teach from lessons they have learned and experiences they have had. Once again, their number one lesson is to appreciate every moment of being young.

Why would any of us want to go through life without appreciating what we have? Why would any of us want to wish away precious minutes just to be somewhere else? Living in the past is stifling and wishing away time is wasteful. It is up to us to make sure that we are making every second count because if not…what are we doing?

Stop spending time worrying about things that won't even matter in a year. Stop allowing little things to ruin your day and instead look for the silver lining. Stop WASTING time.

Moral of the story: Life is too damn short. Tell your family and friends you love them...every single day. Say goodbye to them when they leave in the morning and hug them when they get home. Don't like your attitude? Change it. Unhappy with a friendship or relationship? Leave. Always wanted to travel but haven't found the time? Find it. Don't drift through life telling yourself "maybe tomorrow." Make TODAY that day and every day after that. Spend your life actually living it instead of watching it blow away like candles on each birthday cake. And while you're at it, have that extra slice or two...life is short remember?