Something crazy has come over me, and this summer I'm going to do more traveling than I ever have before. I've realized that life is short, too short to spend it regretting not taking chances. That being said, the window for doing great things is usually very small.

You go through your early years, and if you’re lucky, your family likes to travel and see new things. Perhaps you do a bit of traveling with them, but it’s really hard to appreciate because your parents are bugging you, your siblings won’t leave you alone and all you want to do is get back home to lock yourself in your room. Trust me, these things happen; I’m speaking from experience. You spend too much time in a car with a person and it can go one of two ways, you know? Stuff like this makes it really hard to have fun on these trips and take in the sights and experiences. There's no sense in that. Don't give someone else power over your happiness. Besides, there's no way that it's as bad as you think it is, just have a good time with your family.

My advice is to take advantage of every opportunity you get to make memories. It's like my aunt says "money comes". Money is necessary, to live the lifestyle you might want to live; but money can't buy happiness, and money should never outweigh happiness. Real wealth should be measured by you and you only, but try not to limit it to just monetary wealth. Be rich in fun, experiences and happiness.

I get it though; you don't want to spend a bunch of money just for a concert, or a road trip, or something like that. You've got something else you're saving for, like a car payment or an apartment. I'm not telling you to go broke over anything, or to miss a payment, but I am telling you that if you can afford to have some fun, then go for it. Money comes and goes, but memories last a lifetime. The last thing you want is to be on your last stretch of life and look back and have nothing to show for it but some pay stubs and material objects that you only bought to impress other people.

If you're bored listen to new music, go for a jog, drive to a new place, whatever. If for no other reason than being bored on a day off, try something new. Life gets better when you expand.