We see it everywhere now--hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, atomic bombs, tsunamis, wars. Its overwhelming and too big for us to wrap our minds around as we sit scrolling through our computer in our cozy college dorms. Have you ever thought to yourself... what if the world is actually ending?

I mean trust me, I'm no end of the world fanatic, but I've seen enough conspiracy bible verses running through Facebook that has freaked me out a bit. However, I'm not digging my underground bunker just yet because I don't think we can know if the world is ending nor should we. If there is any good to come out of this wave of natural disasters and violence, it is that we are being reminded on a daily basis of the fragility and short nature of life. We must think, am I really living today how I want to be living my life? Am I where I am called to be? Should I call Morgan Freeman and make a bucket list with him?

Sit and think about this... If the world ended today... would you be happy with the life you are living?

In college, I think there is this push to be thinking about our happiness in the future. Work hard now for a happy life later. I mean from middle school we were pressured to perform well so we would get into good high school classes. From high school we had AP classes, SAT prep, and hours of homework shoved down our throats so we would get into a good college. And now in college, we have even more essays, tests, interviews, internships, clubs, and officer positions strangled around us so we get a good career. Where does it stop? We've been trained to work for the future, but what happened to the present? Yes, a successful career is important, but our current health and happiness are even more important because all we have is the present. If the world ended tomorrow, I would not be thinking about the C I got on that chemistry quiz two years ago, I would be thinking about all the happy times I had with my friends blasting music and riding windows down in the car.

So I challenge you in the midst of all of this pandemonium out of our control...Do what makes you happy today.

Whether that means switching majors, reading a book, transferring schools, going to that football game, eating pizza and garlic knots, whatever it is. Life is too short to be consumed by worry for the future. I started in an accelerated master's program for occupational therapy. Sure it was great to know I had a job right of college in a respected field, but the truth is I wasn't all that happy at my old University. I actually thought to myself, if the world was going to end today where would I want to be and who would I want to be with? I traveled across the country to be with the person that makes me most happy in a major that gives me time to think about what I actually want to do with my life. Sure, the change was scary, but it gave me the freedom to find my own happiness. The end of the world has nothing on me now because I have no regrets or "what ifs."

So I challenge you--take this time where it literally seems like the world is coming to an end and do what you have always wanted to do. Have the courage to live for today. The best way we can come out of tragedy is not necessarily donating money, but being more positive and loving people in our day to-day lives. As Morgan Freeman best said in the "Bucket List," "One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it's it'sth watching."

The question "Is the world actually ending???" doesn't hold so much weight and urgency anymore once you know you are living the best you can for today.

***For all of those facing hurricanes and other natural disasters... you are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray you stay safe and have the strength to overcome all the obstacles ahead of you.