We live in a time when over-scheduling has become something to boast about. Especially as a college student, I find myself juggling an officer position in my sorority, challenging classes, work, friends and relationships on a daily basis. We pride ourselves on keeping busy. We wear the title 'Busy College Student' like a badge of honor; our driving force being our fear of missing out. Everyone is always saying your 20s are the selfish years you will never get back if you don’t enjoy them now -- and by enjoy, they mean do everything and anything you can. So, we take this into consideration; and we decided we don’t want to miss out on anything our 20s have to offer. And instead of prioritizing, we try to do everything.

I am not innocent.

Take a peak inside my planner for a moment. I am very much guilty of this sin of over-scheduling. In my planner, you'll find readings upon readings due for various classes. You'll find the words 'Chapter Meeting' scribbled in pink over every Wednesday block. You'll see birthday reminders written in green. And football game times jotted down in Carolina blue. Social events and philanthropy projects are scattered through my monthly calendar; my October is already beginning to look like a beautiful, time-consuming rainbow.

But this is the norm. Staying busy, or staying stressed, is the state of being my generation has adopted with open arms.

One day, as I sat down to coffee with an old friend, I found myself only half-listening to her story about her move-in. My mind was some place else. As she excitedly explained her new roommate situation, my internal dialogue looked a bit like this: I wonder what tomorrow's quiz questions will be on? Should I go buy the pink dress from the mall the other day? I do need a pink dress for the cocktail party tomorrow night. And I could always wear it again to sorority semi-formal in November. Should I apply for the job I found online last week? The application is due in January and I should really get started.

And then I paused. I listened to her. I stopped thinking about tomorrow, or next week, or next month or next year. And in that few minutes of just listening to her, I thought this: What if by over-scheduling we are actually missing out?

Think about it. When we are doing more in one minute than we ever have before, there seems to be less time to enjoy a single moment - not even coffee with a friend. When we are always planning what’s next, we forget how to appreciate the beauty of right now.

But what if the ability to enjoy the small moments - the ones that are happening right now - is the basis for long-term happiness. If we can't stop looking at our watches, and our calendars and planning for the future, how happy are we?

So today I urge you to take my advice and stop for just one second. Appreciate the text you just received from a friend - a well crafted-response from you might mean more to them than you think. Value the time you get to spend with your sorority sisters - you may not always have the luxury of having so many friends so close by. On your trudge to get to class, stop for a second and look around - this beautiful campus you take for granted will not be a part of your daily life forever. When your mom calls, answer the phone - your busy day needs to make time for the ones who got you where you are.

Yes, we should stay busy. Yes, we should stay involved. We all know my planner isn't going to free up any time soon. But, every now and then, take the time to stop. Take the time to

care. And to love. And to truly appreciate where you are right now -- wherever that might be.

You might find that you really enjoy right now - maybe even more than you like being 'busy'.