Do you ever wonder if you're letting life pass you by? When was the last time you were driving down the road and took the long, scenic route just for the hell of it? You probably can't remember. Often times we get caught up in school or work and we forget to live in the moment.
According to Psychology Today, "Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience."
Growing up, we rarely had access to computers. If I wanted to use a computer I would have to go to the local library. The thought of a child having a cellphone was unimaginable. We were so in touch with nature, and our imaginations were enormous. Blanket forts were our kingdoms. Jars full of fireflies were our lanterns. We used to run through the woods fighting off the bad guys and climbed tree-houses that we called towers. We rode bikes until the chain detached. We ran until someone scraped their knee. We played outside until our parents called us inside for dinner.
We used to spend hours basking in the sun, building sandcastles on our family beach trips. We rode the waves on boogie boards screaming "MOM WATCH THIS!" as she smiled from her beach chair.
The salt water stung your eyes, lips tasted like salt, and your body hurt. Your skin was cut up and your muscles aching from continuously being pummeled by the rough, rocky waves. You were often times overcome by a sense of panic, gasping for air, your adrenaline was pumping as you fought against the waves. There was a split second where you thought you would never come back up to the surface. But that didn't stop you. The only time you left the ocean was to run to your parents with tears streaming down your face, seeking your mother's warm embrace as she held up a towel and dried you off. But by the time you wiped your tears, you were immediately bored and ready to plunge back into the ocean.
What happened to the adrenaline rush? What happened to the freedom? Life was so much simpler when chattering teeth, blue lips and goosebumps were the only things that stood in our way.
Now, when you go to the beach, you find yourself uploading snapchats, posting Instagram pictures, and scrolling through twitter. You do everything possible to keep your hands dry, and scowl as you wipe sand off of your belongings. Some of us girls are guilty for not getting in the water because you don't want to ruin your hair or makeup.
Life is about having unique and thrilling experiences and creating memories that will stay with you forever.
Practice mindfulness. Be aware of your surroundings. Instead of binge-watching Netflix, go on an adventure. Go hiking. Go on a road trip. Explore.
Oh and fun isn't always found at the bottom of a liquor handle, and you can't really "live it up" at a frat party.
So don't be afraid to get your hair wet. Put your phone down, and look around you. The world is a beautiful place.
"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years"
-Abraham Lincoln
