This past year, I realized that I spent so much time planning for the future that I forgot to live in the present. I would (and still do, sometimes) plan ahead weeks in advance. Obviously, it was hard to accommodate spontaneous activities that would pop out of nowhere. I had to fit it into my already planned-out schedule.

I kept myself busy because I felt like everyone else was doing so much, and I wasn't doing enough. I felt the pressure of being a sophomore in college was increasing at an alarming rate. I felt like I had to make it look like I was doing a lot.

However, one thing I am trying to learn is:

Leave the thinking up to God, and just focus on your life right now. If you spend too much of your time planning for the future, then you won't be able to appreciate the present.

It's okay to invest in experiences, such as concerts and trips. Although it's important to save up for the future, set aside money and time to live in the moment. I just spent over $150 for two concerts this past month, and I don't regret it. The fact that I can see my favorite artists live is worth it.

Before I enter the long days of graduate school and work, in which it'll be hard to find time off, I want to make the most of the time I have now while I'm still an undergraduate student.

Time is precious, and you can't go back to relive the moments that are now long gone. All those hours spent planning for the future could've been hours spent with the people you love while doing the things you love.

Planning for a better future is good, but don't become a slave to time. Live spontaneously and carelessly while you can.