Life was over, but they never lived.

They became consumed in their day-to-day life. Attending class, graduating college, starting careers, getting married, becoming parents. Life went on.

They had dreams, but they didn't chase them. Life must be practical, stable and pragmatic is what they said.

They believed that a good life is a life with no risk. Don't take that new job; it's not dependable. Don't follow that passion; it's a waste of time. Don't try that new recipe; it's not guaranteed.

They spent their days in silence. There was no weekend laughter. There was no living in the moment. There was only moving forward.

I don't want to be like them, and you shouldn't either. Life is meant to be complicated, scary and intimidating— but it is also absolutely wonderful.

Never settle for something that is "close-enough." I haven't been alive for very long, and with the life, I have lived, I have been incredibly blessed. However, my parent's hard work has taught me that life is insignificant without enjoyment, happiness and love.

Life is a road that contains adversity, heartbreak and sadness— but it's your choice to create happiness and a life that has been lived to the fullest.

Life will end, and you will live it completely— by choice.