Sometimes in life, we take for granted the beautiful little moments. Sometimes we overlook the tiny experiences we share with someone, and sometimes we look too far forward and miss what is happening right in front of us.

I was staring at my screensaver on my laptop as I pondered what to write about next, and an idea struck me. My background is of the beach I go to. It is of the sun setting poignantly over the water with Boston in the distance. One of my favorite photos, and one I am very proud to have taken, the photo brings me zen and inspiration.

My grandfather loved the beach. Whenever we went, he would go swimming way out in the deep water and do laps along the horizon. The photo reminds me of him and how happy he was in the water. I hold dear memories of us in the summer time. Looking back, I wish I had cherished those memories and captured more moments to a greater extent than I did. I took for granted his presence; believed he was invincible and never considering death a possibility for the man who was larger than life. He was so radiant. So kind. So loving. So perfect.

Every time I look at that photo I am brought back to the past and my mind wanders and the nostalgia returns.

There is something special and miraculous about the beach. Land and sea blending together. Life and death so close to each other. It is hard to track when it begins and when it ends. I see the water as very much like life. It tumbles and crashes without a pattern. It is occasionally calm but always salty. Sometimes you get caught in the riptide and sometimes you gently float in the current. A boundless, never-ending cycle.

In this life there are numerous little junctures and surprises. Appreciate and recognize those moments. Life is about enjoying and acknowledging each day. Take every chance to do something great, to do something important, to be someone that matters. Wasting time on trivial nuances are breaths you will never get back, so why bother with them? And there are people who wish they could add time to their clock, but cannot, so be grateful for every morning you wake up and every night you go to bed knowing there is a tomorrow. Holding a grudge will only lead to regret, and it is never too late to tell someone you love them. Be selfless. Be present.

Whether it be someone in your life, an opportunity knocking on your door, some "me time", whatever it may be, never take for granted your time. There are too many "what if's" that will keep you from doing what it is you love or aspire, so my advice is to take life by the reigns and control yours. You only get this one, so make it count.

Life is short. Live it fully.