I could sit here and tell you that everything in my life happened exactly as I had planned... but I'd be lying. Why do we get disappointed or question why things didn't go our way? Why do we wake up with a moan, rather than a sigh of relief? My life is not perfect, although that doesn't mean that I want it any other way. I'm lucky that I even get to wake up everyday, breathe, talk, and walk. We often let these simple things pass our minds, when in reality, we should make a conscious effort to appreciate what we already have in our lives.

It's really easy to take things for granted. Life can be so hectic, stressful, and demanding, especially in college. We don't often have the time to reflect on every amazing thing that has happened in our lives. Things don't always go as planned, but I do believe that everything has a purpose. We could look at our lives through a negative lens, constantly analyzing the difficulties that have snaked their way into what we expected to happen. I don't want to look for the aspects of my life that didn't turn out as I'd hoped when there's so much in my life already that I should be grateful for.

I need to take the time to appreciate what I already have in my life: a loving family, great friends, an education, and the prospect of tomorrow. I do believe that you should live everyday as though it is your last. As a society, we need to be thankful for having a home, a job, and/or a family. There are parts of our lives that you'd be surprised others do not have in their own.

All in all, our lives will never be perfect. We can not mold ourselves into perfection, or shape our paths to success without at least some obstacles. Although, for now, we should stop taking life as a whole for granted. Every moment should be spent as though another opportunity won't pass you by. Stay passionate, empathetic, and appreciate the life you've been given. You'd be surprised how blessed you are once you count the wonderful things in your life.