You missed a lot today.

How? By not speaking up. Actually, we miss opportunities every day. Opportunities to make new connections with people--to express our opinions, feelings, and thoughts. We even miss out on simple interactions like smiles and hellos with strangers because we are too absorbed in our technology and ourselves.

I often wonder what college would be like if the people with whom I stood in the elevator said hello, instead of being on their phones all the time. Or if in class, the people I sit next to wanted to talk and get to know each other. It's odd going to class for a whole semester, and then leaving not knowing anyone. When I say hello to those I sit next to, I often get odd looks or a one word reply, showing clear disinterest in conversing. I know, you're tired. I am too. But why are we living if we just pass up opportunities to learn from one another, meet new people, and have interactions with real human beings face-to-face?

You know those times you walk outside and your eyes meet another person's eyes? You both look away immediately. Why do we do this? What is so bad about looking up and locking gazes with someone? I hope we aren't so detached from human interaction that merely looking at someone terrifies us. A smile or hello can go a long way in those awkward moments.

I feel like there are many reasons for our detachment from interaction. Being tired of people and of seemingly meaningless interactions is one. That's due, in part, to many people not putting an effort into their interactions, which in turn, makes people not care about those interactions. Stop making excuses. When you stop interacting, other people do too. Another is technology. In my opinion, this is the biggest culprit. We stick our faces in our phones when we don't feel like talking to others--using our phones to pass time, aimlessly clicking and scrolling so we don't have to do anything else. We all do it. If we put the phones down, I truly believe we would stop missing so many human experiences.

I see it with myself. When I live in the moment, put my phone away, and push the anxiety out of my mind, I feel more alive and capable. I feel like I take hold of the opportunities I'm given and am not missing out.

We seek interaction on apps and we're constantly downloading in hopes to find interaction, yet when human interaction is right next to us, we freeze. We are close to those that are far away from us and far away from those closest to us. We worry, letting fear rule our decisions about our interactions. But a hello can make the difference in our day to day lives because it opens up an outlet for conversation, something many of us crave. It can start new friendships or relationships. Or it can make your day feel fuller, regardless of whether you talk to the person again or not. We repress our feelings and wait things out instead of acting on what we feel or want to do. We hold back in fear for the future, but in reality, what is the future if you don't act now?

Don't miss the opportunities of tomorrow.