In light of recent events, I had to rearrange my brain.
One of our fellow Spartans passed away a few days ago and I was rocked to the core. Something so unexpected and tragic, so close to home, is frightening. Though we weren’t close, the countless texts and laughs we shared made me excited to be a part of the G.
Upon hearing about her passing, I had a revelation. Life really is short, a whisper in the wind, the blink of an eye. You hear this cliché statement made in passing, but it’s hard to fully grasp the concept until it’s too late.
This is what she inadvertently taught me:
1. Do what makes you happy.
I have been agonizing over the future, terrified of what’s to come. Nothing scares me more than the unknown. So rather than owning that antique shop of my dreams, I chose to purpose a career a little more promising, in hopes I’ll be stable. Stable, but unhappy. I cannot gather the strength to take that risk, of rushing toward the unknown.
2. Take risks!
Though this is something I personally struggle with, you don’t have to. Have that crazy notion to dye your hair fluorescent pink? Do it. Want to confess your undying love for that crush? Do it. How about a bungee jump or two? Do it. Want to become a starving artist that travels the world? Do it.
3. Tell them you love them.
Just do it. That mother, brother, father, cousin or lover needs to hear it. It doesn’t matter if it sounds mushy or redundant, it’s worth it.
In closing, it’s safe to say that we can learn from death. It can wake us up, make us realize what’s important. Makes us understand that this world is so much bigger than we’ve anticipated. But what can we do? Simple. Take a chance, do what makes you happy and hope for the best. You never know when your time is up.