As we get older, it definitely feels as though the years get shorter, the winters get longer and everything seems to happen in the blink of an eye. We plan out activities that we continuously look forward to, we wait for our tests and jobs to come to an end, and without even realizing we seem to be wishing time away. When you are little, nothing in the past or future matters and living in the moment is truly the only feeling you know. If you saw the ice cream truck you didn't think to yourself, "Oh, I ate french toast this morning. I need to eat healthy for the rest of the day." You saw the strawberry shortcake on the side of the vehicle and you wanted it right in that moment.

Of course as we get older, there are things we need to be concerned about and responsibilities we need to take on, but there should be a balanced mix of planning and enjoying. Personally, I feel as though this summer was almost non-existent and looking forward to each weekend only made the days disappear quicker. Are you ready to get back into school mode? I know I'm definitely not. I should have taken more days off from work and relaxed with a book in hand at the side of my pool. I should have participated in more spontaneous, "in the moment" activities that would create memories that stuck with me. This summer came as a reminder that the more you look forward, the less time you will have every minute of every day.

This year should be about you. Of course there are going to be weekends that you are so excited for, but take advantage of the days that you don't have much going on.

Appreciate not having too much school work and go on a day trip with some friends. Take in the beautiful weather because before you know it, you'll be layering up to walk out of your front door. Take tons and tons of pictures so that you remember all of the great times you have had. Elongate your days. Wake up earlier and go to bed a little later. You will be surprised how much you can get done with a few more hours of extra time. Most of all, be positive. The happier you are, the more everything around you will sink in. People do not like to surround themselves with negative energy

I'm sure this was the first summer a lot of you had your first internship and were dreading the days you sat in your cubicle for days on end. I'm sure a lot of you spent your summers completely bumming it on your couch binge watching series on Netflix. Make this year about finding your happy medium. Be productive while having fun, and be responsible while having a smile on your face. Taking it all in day by day will only make this year more memorable.