Addressing Life's Why Nots | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Addressing Life's Why Nots

Don’t Allow Yourself To Have “What Ifs”

36
Addressing Life's Why Nots
Mike Kirby

Trust me when I say this, I get it. Branching out is nerve-wracking, terrifying even. But here’s the thing: if you aren’t trying new things, you are never changing. You’re never learning, and you’re never taking full advantage of all that life has to offer you. In order to truly experience life in all of its glory, the importance lies in stepping outside of your comfort zone, jumping full-force into whatever pings your interest, laying your heart on the line, and embracing what is before you. I mean, why not?

Why not take that last minute weekend vacation two states away? Why not join a yoga class on the beach once a week (they might even let you bring your dog)? Why not approach the girl sitting across from you in the coffee shop? Why not take the guy from the bar last night up on his offer for dinner this weekend? Why not go to the beach at 3 am, just to watch the sunrise and enjoy the refreshing breeze? Why not apply for that dream job you think you have no chance of getting (anything is possible, anything)? Why not belt your heart out at karaoke night at your local bar on a Wednesday night? Why not rush Greek life, and why not join an intramural soccer team? What is stopping you?

Now, I’m not saying to go jump through flaming hoops or hang from the side of a building (unless that’s your style), but why not endure on a new adventure? As cliché as it may sound, life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Life begins when you take the initiative and start living for what thrills you and keeps you engaged. Life is too short to become complacent in your being. Grow. Broaden your horizons. Expand your mind. Experience the world outside of your shell. I promise, there are more worthwhile activities to embark on than laying in the same bed, at the same time, watching the same shows on Netflix every night.

Not a daredevil? Try a new blend of coffee. Listen to a different genre of music from what you’ve had on your playlist since your freshman year of high school. Better yet, check out your local music scene. Go on a hike at 7 am and greet every person you see along the way. You just might meet your soulmate. Stranger things have happened.

Not happy with your major? Change it. Hate where you live? Move. Or explore parts of the area you have yet to venture to. You never know what you might find. Still unhappy in your three-year relationship? Leave. Or change it. Do not remain the same. Do not continue the same lackluster practices out of habit. Feed your soul and live a life that you will look back and smile on. The world around you is constantly changing, you are not meant to be stagnant within it.

Don’t allow yourself to have “what-ifs,” go and find out for yourself. It’s in your hands to utilize the life you were given, no one else is going to do it for you. But I promise you were born for a whole lot more than impartial small talk over the same topics day in and day out. There is more out there for you, why not go find it?

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

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

2594
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

449107
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

21467
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

44497
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments