One phrase that I always hear repeated over and over again is that "life is short." Usually, this is used as a motivator to branch out and become a type of risk-taker. We bring up the fact that our lives are short in the grand scheme of things in hopes that it will serve as a motivator for our own actions and behaviors. Life is short so push yourself forward and leave no regrets behind. This is not a new concept and it will be carried on until the bright sun in our solar system burns out for good.

Yes, mentioned the brevity of life is something that is always mentioned and repeated. However, what about the overall condition of life? When will it be applicable to talk less about the quantity of life and more about the quality of life? Yes, many years are very impressive, but what about how one spends those many years? Quality isn't something that is mentioned as often as quantity, but it is prevalent in our lives none the less. Why do you think that life in prison is such a dire punishment? Your overall quality of life is limited to a very select location which eats up at your quantity of life. We want a nice and long quantity of life, but we also want an overall wonderful quality of life as well.

That is why I am suggesting an amendment to the previous phrase.

"Life is short, so spend it surrounded by love and joy."

Take your life and make it the most enjoyable experience you possibly can. This may sound daunting on the surface, but there are many little things that you can do to make this possible. Find things in your life that bring you a sense of absolute joy; find things that fill your heart up and over with happiness. Get a poster of your favorite band or show and put it up in your room. If you love soft things, curl up with a fluffy blanket and make a pillow fort. Create a playlist of your favorite songs to listen to as you drive around or walk to class. Find a hobby or craft and go nuts. Create wonderful poetry, art, or writings and hang it up in your room. Surround yourself with things that bring your joy.

Joy can be found in more abstract things as well. Find out what your favorite color and keep an eye out for it as you go along life. Fill your living space with your favorite scents and sounds. If you really like the comfort that a certain type of light brings you like fairy lights, go out and fill your room with them. Make your favorite number your phone passcode. Put up a quote from your favorite book or show. Things that fill you with a type of joy or happiness don't have to make the most sense or be grounded in the rational. As long as they bring you joy and are healthy outlets, go all out.

Sometimes, joy doesn't have to be found in an object or even the abstract. Sometimes, being filled and surrounded by happiness can come from those people in your life. Surround yourself with people that uplift you and fill you will a sense of confidence and purpose. Surround yourself with people that make you laugh, that make you feel lighter than air. Find people that you will seek out when you are feeling tired, scared, or angry. Surround yourself with family or friends that are pillars of emotional strength and support.

Most importantly, surround yourself with love.

Life is too short to do anything otherwise.