When looking back on my first few college years, I can point out many a time when I had the opportunity to do something fun or go out somewhere cool, and I figured “Ehhh, I’ll catch the next big thing.” It might have been easier to just stay home and watch Netflix that night, sleep in that morning, or do homework that afternoon. There will always be things to do and people to see, so it’s normal for some people to fall into a pattern of only participating in the minimal amount.

I’ve been abroad for almost a month, and I am now kicking myself as I look back on those times when I said “no” to an opportunity. It took me moving across the Atlantic Ocean to realize how saying yes to experiences and new things is the only way I’ll grow, and the only way I’ll look back on my college life in a few decades and smile at all the crazy things I did. Of course I’ve had moments while I’ve been abroad when we had an early morning excursion planned, and I had gone out the night before so all I wanted to do was sleep in until noon and watch some Netflix all day. But I can’t thank myself enough for getting my ass out of bed to spend time with such adventurous people who would rather be hiking up mountains, and drinking Guinness in a pub, than wasting the day away.

I have been reminded how important it is to be that person who gets out of bed, the person who says yes to as many opportunities as possible, because that is the person who will lead a fulfilling and exciting life. So pull off your covers, shut down your Netflix, put on some makeup and a cute outfit (or for guys, put on your button downs and khakis) and get out there. Enjoy being in your 20s and being beautiful, young, and healthy. We deserve it! Go places and see things and stay out 'til 5 a.m. being crazy with your friends, and then wake up a few hours later and laugh about all the stupid things you did or the interesting people you met. Be like Jim Carrey from the movie “Yes Man” and live your affirmative life.

Saying yes will always lead to something interesting, because every experience you have, good or bad, shapes who you are. So quit being afraid, or lazy, or whatever it is that is holding you back, and don’t miss out on the adventure.