"Fun is Good."
- Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss has never had a bad quote in his life. This one spoke to me in so many ways. Ever since I started earning my own money my junior year of high school, I've been tight with it. Literally only getting gas in-between paychecks because I "could not spend money." I would turn down nights with friends at the movies or going out to eat simply because I did not want to spend anything.
Looking back now, I realize how RIDICULOUS that was.
It was this summer, the summer BEFORE my sophomore year of college, that I finally realized that it is OKAY to have fun and spend a little money on yourself. I do not have to be so strict with my spending.
My reasoning: I've been saving for college, or that's what I would like to tell myself. In all reality, I have always been tight with money...like seriously always. Now that I have experienced one year of school and I know what to expect, I know that I do have some leeway.
This summer I let go, I experienced things that I normally would not have. I got to go to the Women's College World Series with one of my best friends and watch my absolute favorite team play their first game, OU. That day we sat out in the hot sun for well over 12 hours but we were able to watch eight of the best college teams play, all with the goal of being the World Series Champion in their mindset. We were able to watch Paige Lowary pitch, the airplane flying into home plate after a homerun, see the Sooners take their infamous "Infield vs. Outfield" game, and see Coach Gasso.
USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium // Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
That is one trip that I will never forget. The memories we shared were unforgettable and I am so glad I experienced it.
I also gave in and went to Fayetteville several times, yes home of the Arkansas Razorbacks, Mama Carmen's, Burton's Comfort Creamery and so many other things. My friends and me also took part in other spontaneous road trips throughout the summer: Eureka Springs, Branson, Springfield, Berryville, Siloam Springs, Florida...the list could keep going on.
Fayetteville Famers Market // Fayetteville, Arkansas
There were several points to this article: You cannot take your money with you when you die. Money does not bring happiness. Live while you are young. Experience those "once in a lifetime" moments because you will never truly know if the opportunity will come again.
Here I am, giving advice to the people who used to be like me; afraid to spend their money, afraid to live and afraid to let go and have a little fun when the opportunity is there. I know how you feel, trust me.
I am not saying that you need to be full fledged loose with your money now but looking back on some things, I wish I would not have thought as much about my bank account balance going down and thought more about the memories I would be making and able to look back on.
But those days are over and I have learned from the past and now I know how great it feels to DO THE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO and not worry so much!
Remember, Fun is Good.
Downtown // Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Interstate // Birmingham, Alabama
Summer Slam Fest Tournament // Mountain Home, Arkansas
Bathtub Reef Beach // Stuart, Florida
Kenda Drive-In // Marshall, Arkansas
