All of my life I have heard the phrase “Life’s too short” followed by some not-so-profound statement. It’s in movies, books, campaign ads, and everyday life. Particularly, during my generation, a new saying popped up and somewhat replaced the old phrase: YOLO.
It stands for “You only live once.” Its usage is slightly different than the other installment, YOLO tends to be used as an excuse to do something considered dangerous or to account for some bad decision. People will say the acronym before they go bungee jumping or after a night of heavy drinking. Like I said, it’s an excuse to do something that people want to do but think that others won’t approve.
I don’t agree with either statement. To me, YOLO doesn’t even really make sense because you live every single day. I similarly don’t like the phrasing “Life’s too short” because it is quite literally the longest thing any single person will ever experience.
I propose a change in thought: Life’s not too short, life’s too long.
So, start saving money as soon as you can because, in the long run, every penny you save today will affect how you live in the future, but don’t miss out on an experience today for what tomorrow might bring. Be smart about how you live, go on adventures and visit new places. You still have to use your head though, because if you can’t afford something and it’s choice between food/shelter/clothing and a concert, you have to do what is best for you.
Look to the future, but live in the moment.
It seems like some people who use YOLO or any other generic phrase just want an excuse to be reckless and not have to worry about anything. I know adults who admitted that they never expected to live to 40, and teenagers have said the same thing.
But, what happens if/when you get to an age where life is slowing down, retirement is in sight, and you have nothing to show for it in terms of supporting yourself when it comes time to stop working? What happens when the things you do today affect your health negatively later on and it’s too late to stop it?
So, how do you choose between living life to the fullest and a life spent preparing for the future? Balance.
Life is too long to spend it with someone you don’t love and doing a job you hate.
Life is too long to always deny yourself a bowl of pasta, a slice of pizza, or an ice cream cone every now and then.
Life is long, there is no doubt about it, which is a good thing. Take the time to go to school and study something you love so that you can spend the rest of your life doing things that you enjoy. Don’t spend all of your time cooped up and studying for tests and doing homework because you’ll miss out on some amazing people and memories.
On the flip side, you cannot always go out partying and travel because it does you no good to fail out of school. Find a balance and a schedule that works for you. Work hard, but don’t forget to play hard too.
Life is long, so fill it with wonderful things. And life is long, so take care of yourself. Remember to eat healthily, but it’s okay to cheat every now and then. Go to the gym more often than not if it’s available to you. Go out with friends, but keep your grades up.
Love how you live your life for years to come.
