Do you ever wonder why we’re on this planet? What the meaning of our existence is? If all of the struggling and drama and stress and heartbreak and pain and sickness is worth enduring for years on end, only to end up six feet underground? If your mind ever wanders to these scary places, don’t fret! You’re not alone!
Lately, I’ve been asking myself quite a few of these existential questions. Going into my junior year of high school, I’m preparing for the rigorous classes and long nights of homework and studying ahead of me. I’m also starting to think about which colleges I want to apply to, what I’ll want to study, and which career I’ll want to pursue after I graduate. Planning the future is a daunting task, and it makes me curious — why should I put myself through all of this? Why do we all put ourselves through all of this?
Given that I’m only 16 years of age, my answer to this question will most likely change throughout my lifetime. Honestly, it will most likely change on a daily basis; I’m human, I have good days and bad days, and it’s a lot easier to see the light at the end of the tunnel when my day goes well. However, as I am now beginning to embark on the expedition of trying to sketch out my life, I’m trying to have a positive view of the whole situation.
We’re all given one chance to make our mark on the world. Whether this mark is seen by seven billion pairs of eyes or only a few doesn’t matter—what matters is that we attempt to enjoy the time that we’re given and find a way to make this time fulfilling and worthwhile.
Everyone’s journey is unique. There’s no formula for a happy life. But I know of a few “guidelines” to make life satisfying.
- Stay driven and work hard. The only thing holding you back is yourself. Time is more well spent when you’re aiming to achieve a goal and/or flourishing in school, your career, or whatever activity you’re apart of.
- Pursue your passions. If you love to sing, act, or dance, find opportunities to perform and improve your craft! If you enjoy working out and enhancing your body, make time to go to the gym and stay focused on what you want to accomplish! Whatever it is that makes you feel excited, do it. Indulge in yourself; you are your best investment.
- Form relationships with those around you. Life is more fun when you’re surrounded by people you love! I’ve come to realize that the amount of people doesn’t matter, but who those people are and whether or not they’re truly there for you is what counts. Find friends who share your interests, who you can go on adventures with, who you can trust, who expand your mind and potential for greatness. Be outgoing. Meet new people and learn their stories. All in all, bond with the people around you and share the short (although it may seem long) time that you have with them.
I don't know exactly what I want to accomplish in life yet, or what I want my future job to be. However, I know that I want to continue to excel in high school and in college and set myself up for a good future. When I get to the point of having an actual career, I'm going to work hard and always aim higher. Since I'm passionate about singing, I'm going to continue to sing throughout my life and get better and better. And since I'm always happier when I'm with my friends, I'm going to do my best to keep those relationships strong yet also build new ones as I move forward.
Life can be sweet, but it can often be sour. When bad days happen, existential thoughts can break through. Don’t let them take over your life, though. By attempting to stay positive and aiming for happiness, an existential crisis can always be averted.
