By: Landry Johnston
Everyone always says that “life is a roller coaster.” Yet, they fail to include that it is the fastest roller coaster you’ll ever ride on and that it seems to be over just as soon as you buckle your seatbelt.
As I approach 18 and face the unknown future, I almost always get caught in the constant whirlwind of “what’s next”. I think that this is something we all dwell on too much. We are so focused on what we need to do for tomorrow or the decisions we have to make for our futures, that we forget about the moment we are in. Sure, we may need to think about the future beyond today sometimes, but we shouldn’t let it hold us back from enjoying the now. We need to live for the moment.
While the expression “stop and smell the roses” seems to convey this idea. I disagree. The reality of time is that it keeps going, just like any roller coaster. We can’t get off the ride half-way through; we’re on it, going full speed, until the very end. We can’t slow down. We can’t stop. However, we can choose what we spend this precious time on. I wish I realized this earlier on.
I’ll be the first to admit that I take on too much. It’s one thing if you love them all, but for me, I spend too much of time doing things that don’t necessarily make me happy. I just do it for someone else or in the name of “my future.” Too often, I say no to my friends and my family, so I can spend time on these things. Other times, I dwell so much on the thought of leaving the people I love in a few short months that I don’t appreciate the moments I get to spend with them right now. I could go through a list of things I’ve wish I’ve done, but rather I’ll use this list to inspire myself, and hopefully others, to realize that every moment we have, is a moment we can never get back once its gone. I no longer want to reflect and wish I’ve spent more time with someone or doing something I truly love.
I’m not saying you should never do things you don’t like; rather, that you shouldn’t always do them. It’s important to find the balance between time spent on focusing on the future and time in the moment. We all can learn something from the moments we live, but if we are too worried about what’s next, we may miss this opportunity. Whether it be going to an event you’ve always wanted to, having a much deserved girls night, or even just taking some time to read a book, enjoying the moment we are in is so important.