10 Years At A Glance | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

10 Years At A Glance

Don't blink.

42
10 Years At A Glance
Bullet Indigest

It’s been 10 years...

It’s been 10 years since I lived at home with my mom.

It’s been 10 years since she made me get in bed by a certain time each night.

It’s been 10 years since my mom woke me up for school each morning.

It’s been 10 years since she got mad at me for running late.

It’s been 10 years since I rode a school bus.

It’s been 10 years since I had to go to school 5 days a week.

It’s been 10 years since my mom made me do homework every night.

It’s been 10 years since I had to take my lunch at a certain time every day.

It’s been 10 years since I had to eat dinner at the dinner table.

It's been 10 years since I had chores.

It’s been 10 years since I had to follow class rules.

It’s been 10 years since I could have detention.

It’s been 10 years since I had a curfew to be home at a certain time.

It’s been 10 years since I was told what to do.

It’s been 10 years since I could get grounded.

It’s been 10 years since I had to follow my mom’s household rules.

It’s been 10 years since I have seen my high school classmates.

Today...

Today I live alone.

Today I go to bed when I want.

Today I get myself up for school and for work.

Today I get mad at myself if I am running late.

Today I drive myself to work.

Today I go to school when I want

Today I do my homework when I want to.

Today I eat lunch when I want.

Today I eat dinner where I want.

Today I clean when I want.

Today I don’t have to follow school rules or my parents’ rules.

Today I can’t get detention.

Today I come and go as I please.

Today I do what I want when I want.

Today I can’t get grounded.

Today I follow my own rules.

Today I see people when I want to see them.


This morning I woke up to a group message from about 50 of my high school classmates. The time has come to plan our 10-year high school class reunion. This really puts things into perspective.

10 years ago, I remember being 17 and trying to plan my life. I was trying to figure out what path I wanted to take in life. It seemed as if I had so much time ahead of me. I felt invincible.

Now here I am 10 years later, still trying to plan my life and decide which path I want to take.

And boy, does time fly? It doesn’t seem like it has been 10 years. Where does all the time go?

It really puts things into perspective about how short life really is. Time is ticking every single day. Time is running out. This isn’t a practice life. Life is happening right now. Imagine how quickly the last 10 years of your life has gone by. Then imagine adding another 10 and another 10. Soon, your life has flashed by before you know it.

So, what are you waiting for? Do the things you want to do. Don’t wait. Life doesn’t wait and time doesn’t wait.

Live your life so that you aren’t saying...

I wish I had started that 10 years ago.

I wish I had went there 10 years ago.

I wish I had done that 10 years ago.

I regret not doing that 10 years ago.

What if that happened 10 years?

Instead, plan your life so that you are saying...

I am so glad I started that 10 years ago.

I am so glad I went there 10 years ago.

I am so glad I did that 10 years ago.

I am so glad that happened 10 years ago.

Remember, life is short. You are the author of your story and nobody holds the pen except for you. Make it happen.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

429
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

273
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments