Like Matthew McConaughey Said, 'You Just Gotta Keep L-I-V-I-N'

Ever seen the movie Dazed and Confused? In case you haven't, it's a complete hippy movie that everyone should experience.

Being in the arts, it's not unlikely that I typically look too deeply into certain situations. This could be the case with the movie Dazed and Confused. In this movie, the plot is pretty much non-existent but the story vaguely follows the story of a high school senior who feels pressured to continue playing football when, deep down, he does not have a genuine passion for the sport anymore. Even though this vague guideline exists, the movie basically revolves around teenagers in the 70s smoking marijuana (hence the title of the movie.)

This film is 95% whimsical, portraying reckless teens saying and doing senseless things the way that only teenagers can seem to get away with, and somehow have a fun time while doing so. One of the main characters is played by Matthew McConaughey, your basic 70's cool, borderline creepy, stoner dude with an accent.

Countless McConaughey quotes have been birthed from this very movie, including the famous, "Alright, alright, alright," accompanied with that timeless accent that only McConaughey can perfect.

Towards the very end of the movie when the group of high school friends are doing illegal activities on the football field, the main character expresses his desire to not continue football, but feels conflicted due to the pressure he is receiving from his coaches. McConaughey's character stands up and explains how adults will always try to tell students what to do, no matter what the scenario.

He tells them that what other people want is not important by saying, "You gotta do what Randall Pink Floyd wants to do man. Let me tell you this, the older you do get the more rules they're gonna try to get you to follow. You just gotta keep livin' man, L-I-V-I-N.”

While I'm not saying to go out, quit every obligation you have, and smoke marijuana with your friends, I do think this character brings up such an amazing point. It's so easy to follow rules that we never question and live a resulting life filled with wonders and regrets.

Some more realistic regrets could include never traveling outside of the country, not going after a secret passion, or simply never taking any risks, whatever they may be. Risks and changes in life do not always result perfectly, but they make the journey so much more interesting and authentic. Along the way, the risks may end up being mistakes, but at least you're livin'.