Sometimes our busy lives can get the best of us. We miss out on little, special moments because we are so focused on getting ahead, staying afloat financially, and keeping ourselves occupied with work and school. How much time do we spend on our phones, computers, and tablets, just letting the world pass us by. With all of the distraction and daily hustle and bustle, we must ask ourselves, are we actually living, or are we simply just existing?
When you look at the years that have gone by and the people whom you have met along the way, do you have memories filled with joy, happiness and laughter, or are your memories blurred by thoughts, racing back and forth within your mind about all of the responsibilities you must worry about on a daily basis? We focus on always trying to find success and getting everything right the first time, rather than allowing ourselves to make mistakes and actually learn from them. Heartbreak, sadness, failure — these are all feelings that we are allowed to feel as humans. By the same token, we are also destined to find success, joy, and laughter that not only brightens our lives, but also brightens the lives of others.
I’ve been thinking lately about what I have accomplished thus far in my life. As my 20th birthday quickly approaches, I am overcome with fear that I have not yet accomplished enough in my academic life and have not lived enough in regard to my personal life. In order to make a change, I have decided to take a few steps in order to ground myself and enjoy the world around me. For example, I hope to explore where I grew up more than I have before. I aim to make more time to read and drink tea, especially when it rains. I always feel so at peace when I am able to sit and listen to the rain tap on my window as I sip a hot cup of tea and laugh at the lines in a funny new book. I plan on dedicating more time to growing within my faith in order better understand my beliefs. I will make it a goal to schedule more time in my daily life for self reflection and journaling about my thoughts and feelings. Although these activities are perfect for my life, they may not be right for you.
You can take simple steps similar to those I hope to make, simply by starting a list of goals. Maybe for you reading isn't a relaxing activity like it is for me. Instead, you may enjoy going for a run to clear your thoughts. There is no right way for you to find inner peace and reconnect to the world around you. As for me, I have found that I am able to release a lot of stress and clear my mind through prayer. I am a Christian, one who is still learning. You may, however, find comfort and strength through the practice of Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, or even Hinduism! Some may not follow a particular faith, but feel at peace when connected to nature. It is my belief that whatever you choose to do in life, should bring you joy and peace.
Another great way to spend your time may be to volunteer with an organization or venture outside of your comfort zone to help others in need. My way of positively impacting the lives of others was tutoring young high school students in Boston in the subjects of english, history, and biology. Although I am not a great english student and certainly not the strongest of biology students, I was able to learn and improve along with my own students. I learned even more about history and discovered my true calling in life. I wasn't sure if teaching was right for me, but I decided to take a chance, and I'm so glad that I did. Seeing the smiles on the faces of my students gave me a feeling unlike anything I have ever experienced, and reassured that teaching is my calling in life.
My advice for anyone who is reevaluating their life and embracing the future would be to take a chance or a leap of faith and try something that is well beyond of your comfort zone. Do something to help your family, your friends, or even your community. Learn something new, even if that "something" is not one of interest to you. Sing and dance like no one is watching you. Take a trip to a place that you have been meaning to visit, whether it be near or far. So, pack a bag, grab a few of your closest friends, and go out and enjoy what this beautiful world has to offer you.
"The tragedy of life is often not in our failure, but rather in our complacency; not in our doing too much, but rather in our doing too little; not in our living above our ability, but rather in our living below our capacities."
-Benjamin E. Mays
