The Rocket

Issue date: 2/10/06 Section: Opinion

Crystal Hawkins - Staff Writer

I have come to the realization that I spend too much of my time focusing on the things that aren't right and the things that are negative in my life more than acknowledging the good. I never wake up in the morning feeling grateful for having another day to pursue my dreams of traveling, getting a degree, publishing work that motivates people and the long list of other things I aspire to do someday.

I too often forget the value of today. I assume that a long life is guaranteed because I am healthy and I am usually cautious and responsible. But life and death are two things that are just beyond my grasp. I cannot understand how it is determined whether I get to live another day, or if I get to go to bed another night.

I know there are many things you wish to do someday, too, and graduating from Slippery Rock is most likely one of them. I think a lot of students believe that they don't begin to live until they are out of school. This is a notion I have had for most of my life. I thought as soon as I graduated from college, I would finally be able to begin my life. I have only recently realized how ridiculous this idea is. We should be living right now, while we're young, eager and rebellious. I have absolutely nothing holding me back. I do not have a family to support, a mortgage or a steady job, so why haven't I been living a more fulfilling life?

For me, there is no sense in worrying about which belt matches my earrings and my shoes, but if that is what makes you happy, if it is what makes you tick, by all means, do it! And, have fun doing it. There is no sense in spending my life worrying about how you're living yours, as I can only help myself and live my own life.

There is nothing rewarding about never trying. Make the things you have always wanted to do things you have already done. The time to live is now and I'm sure you've heard this all before, but you need to hear it again, because it is absolutely true! None of us are guaranteed any time in this world, and that is why we should be making our dreams come true every single day.

I will leave you with a quote that I hope will make you think twice before you sit down and voluntarily waste hours of your life, hours that could be used to get you closer to becoming what you dream of: "It is not the years in your life, but the life in your years that counts."

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools