“Every day is a day in paradise.” I have heard this phrase at least five times a day for as long as I can remember. It is the catchphrase of one of the most influential people in my life: my Pap. He would say it to family, friends and even strangers in greeting, in parting and in passing conversation. These words have been uttered on his answering machine, present through stickers on his car, plastered onto signs all over his house since way before I was even born. For the majority of my life, I took these words for granted. I never truly appreciated the beauty and the power that is within them, and how incredible even the most tedious days could be if I lived my life according to these words.

I remember going through a phase where I felt trapped. I think sometimes we all get too caught up in ourselves. Life isn’t exactly playing out according to the plan that we had set forth in our head. Our monotonous routines consist of spending interminable time in class, at a job, or simply trying to figure out what it is that we need to do be happy. We feel that we are never going to make enough money, get good enough grades, or have enough success in life to achieve the happiness we desire so intensely to feel fulfilled. Living under this feeling of misery is overwhelming. We wake up with weights on our chest and the goal becomes simply to get through the day, rather than to enjoy it. We find ourselves spiraling into a dark place, where contentment is impossible because nothing seems like it will ever live up to our expectations, even ourselves.

Around 18, I had an epiphany. I realized that life is good. It might not always go according to plan, but every part of it is beautiful, and all the mishaps and mistakes are leading me to exactly where I am meant to be. Even when I feel alone, or stressed, or lost, I remember the people who love me. I realize that there are millions of opportunities to laugh and smile each day, especially over the stupid and silly things. Yes, work is still a pain. Yes, school still feels like an overload. Yes, I still do not have it all together. But I’ve realized that that is OK. It all becomes easier, because I have stopped living life trying just to get by. I believe in embracing the day. I wake up in the morning and I am excited to live another day in this world where nothing is set in stone. I live knowing that second chances and being able to try again are what make living such an incredible adventure. It is my wish that you realize this, too. I hope that you know that your life is amazing. I hope you appreciate and enjoy your journey. I hope you remember every day is a day in paradise.