When was the last time you had the chance to truly sit and just think? When I say think, I’m not talking about homework or the other tasks you do during the day - I mean reflect on your life. We are so caught up in moving on to the next activity or what’s in store for the future that we forget to appreciate now. The future is exciting and you should look forward to it, but it is not good to dwell on it. We forget that the moments we have over these past few years cannot be repeated.
Many of you may think that I’m referring to the big parties or events when it comes to moments not being forgotten, but I’m referring to the small things. I’m referring to staying up late with your roommates and talking about the most random topics. I’m referring listening to music, going to club meetings, or even just walking to your class.
Now you may be thinking, these are trivial moments and they are not important, but don’t you notice that when you reminisce you appreciate the small things? Of course those big moments will always be a part of your memory, but it’s the little things that you want back. When we think of our childhood we think of our fun field trips, but we appreciate playing tag at recess or talking with trivial topics with your friends. We think back on when everyone use to play outside and bond as a family rather than staying in our rooms on our phones.
As human beings we fail to cherish the moments we are in, until they already pass. We are so wrapped up in our busy lives that little moments pass us by, without even thinking about it. We fail to realize that there will come a day where you do not have your mom cooking for you. There will come a day when your siblings won’t be there to constantly bug you, because life moves on.
As I learned in Japan, everything is in one moment at once time, so when you are going to dinner or even heading to class, remember that a day only happens once and cannot be repeated. You can try to repeat the day, but the particular moment you are in right now reading this article is only once, therefore appreciate it. Appreciate your roommates because they will not always be there. Love your parents because they are getting old, and every day you live in because it does not last forever. Be nice to people, and take the time to interact with them, even when you may not be in the mood. You do not know what is happening tomorrow, therefore be the best person you can be, to avoid regret.
Rather than reminiscing and wishing you appreciated the times you were in, take the initiative to do that now. Even though the days may be rough and stressful, remember to find a positive and appreciate some aspect of your day. College may be stressful, but these times with your peers will only be here once. Therefore, appreciate the moment you are in, regardless of the circumstances.
