I've had these thoughts in my head for quite some time, but wasn't quite sure where to start when it came to putting into words. But as I sit here sipping a cup of chamomile and mint tea trying to wind down before bed, I've realized that I now know exactly what I want to say, and in just three words:

Time doesn't stop.

It might feel like sometimes when a relationship ends or a close family member or friend dies. When tragedy strikes we often hear "time stopped" or "the world stopped turning." Of course, we all know those are just clichés and they aren't true, But we also don't always fully awknowledge that time is continuing, well, continuously.

Time doesn't stop.

In about one week, I'll be going to my classes for my last semester on my college campus. One semester. I still can't believe I've already spent the past four years having the time of my life, and now only four months separate me from full-blown adult responsibility. No more staying up way too late at a friend's apartment when I have to work the next morning (as I did tonight). No more cramming for exams the night before because I spent all my freetime at a friend's apartment.

Because time doesn't stop.

My sister moves into her dorm next weekend. She'll be a freshman, I can't imagine how it must feel for my parents having one daughter entering college and one daughter leaving it. There's only one left in the nest. And in two more years she'll be gone. Those two years will go by quicker than we know.

Because time doesn't stop.

And before I realize it I'll be planning a wedding and then I'll be married with kids and hopefully advancing in the career I'm currently pursuing. And thinking about it I realize I'm not as prepared as some of the other people I know. But I also realize I don't care all that much. Of course I'm prepared for the future, because I know it's coming fast, but I also know I need to slow down and experience the now so that one day I'll have memories and experiences to look back on once I'm retired and a grandparent and watching my future generations' lives fly by just as fast as mine is. And then I'll be gone.

Because time doesn't stop.

If I've learned anything recently, it's to live my life as fully as I can. My alarm will go off in five hours and I'll groan wondering why I stayed out so late. But then the next opportunity to do the same thing will come around and I'll do it all over again. Because I have learned that the most important thing for me to do right now is live in this moment. Enjoy the wonderful friends I've made as often as possible and never let these moments go, because someday I might not have them anymore, even if we remain friends for life.

If there's any advice I can give it is this: Step out of your comfort zone. Do things. Take every opportunity you can/want. You'll regret the things you didn't do way more than the things you will do. I promise.

Because time doesn't stop.