I am the type of person that always plays it safe. I have my comfort zone, and I am not much for stepping out of it. I order the same thing every time I go to a restaurant. I absolutely hate change. I have even had the same hair cut since seventh grade.
However, I decided that I should listen to Nicki Minaj. Yes, I said Nicki Minaj of all people. She sings that “to live doesn’t mean you’re alive.” Living is literally a once in a lifetime opportunity, and it is what you make it.
Recently, I have had several experiences that have made me realize that life is short. Too short. One experience was that a dear friend of mine lost his battle with Duchenne’s syndrome at the incredibly young age of 19. He lived his life as a ticking clock, and he knew that his lifeline was short. His experiences were limited due to his condition, but he lived life. He did not pass up anything. He did not create boundaries for himself. Anything he wanted to do or say is exactly what he did.
Being 21, I don’t think about death. It is, and in my opinion should be, the last thing on my mind. But there is something that I had to realize. My friend knew that his time was limited, but everyone’s time is limited. My time is limited. I do not say this to be morbid or to be a Debbie-downer. I say this to say that I, and everyone else, needs to take every opportunity that presents itself. We have to break down the boundaries and do what makes us happy, as long as it falls within the limits of the law.
Living in a box of doing the same things that I always do is not living. So, I am trying to knock down the walls of my comfort zone. It has been little things, but for those who also struggle with change and trying things in unchartered territory, you understand how those little things can seem much bigger. I have tried new restaurants and tried new dishes at my usual restaurants. I even decided to change my hair cut.
Next month, I will be taking the largest leap yet. I am from a small town and have never been off the East coast. In March, I will be boarding a plane headed to Germany. I am absolutely terrified, but I know that fear is good because this is me going outside of what I am familiar with. I have to take this opportunity. Traveling to another country is something that ranks high on my bucket list, and recently, I have recognized that every day I should be striving to marking something else off that list.
Life is about eating the last piece of cake even though you were the only one eating the cake to begin with, laughing until your stomach aches, and seeing the world. Tragedy has brought me to realization and has begun pulling me out of the turtle shell that I call a comfort zone. I just hope that everyone will appreciate how precious life is and make the absolute best of it.
