"It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive."
Lately, I have been thinking about this lyric a lot. I often find myself being afraid to live. We all spend so much time doing what is uniform and necessary that we forget to nourish our souls.
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Many people I know may read this and think I am being a hypocrite because I am often very tense and filled with anxiety. I fear doing the wrong thing, regretting not studying a little more, or disappointing people in my life.
The general perception of millennials is that we are lazy and expect everything to be handed to us on a silver platter. I work tirelessly to defy these stereotypes each day, causing me to forget to really live. I think that many others fall into this trap as well.
While I aspire to have a successful career and a prosperous future, I know that when I am looking back on my life at 90 years old, I will remember things a little differently. In order to make memories worth remembering, I am going to make it my goal to do things that I genuinely want to do every day of the week. It doesn't always have to be a big adventure, but something that makes life worth living. This is definitely easier said than done. But, together, we can live with the same free spirit that many of our parents encompassed as young adults.
The next time the work week burns you out, make sure you take off one day from your weekend job. Losing one day of pay isn't important when you start the next week even more tired and restless than the last.
Eat what you want to eat. I don't mean to eat McDonald's every day, but find time to cook with local ingredients and really enjoy what you are putting into your body. Share a conversation, a glass of wine (if you're into that), and cherish the meal you just put together with your own two hands.
Often, we are swayed by economic restrictions. A day trip can be just as fulfilling as an exotic vacation if you go with those who will uplift you and want to really enjoy the day.
For me, music has always been therapeutic. Don't be afraid to put on your favorite song and have a dance party in your kitchen because it really will make you feel better. Even learn a rap song and be able to spit it out as perfectly as the artist. This will lift your confidence like no other.
With all the tragedy and sadness in the world, we often think that we live in a very dismal place. Use the seasons to your advantage and spend some time outdoors. Go to the beach, take a hike to see the leaves change, build a snowman, go skiing, or take a walk in the spring rain. Our parents weren't lying, fresh air really is good for you.
Buy clothing and shoes that make you love your body. Don't buy things that you aspire to look good in. This will just bring down your self esteem. Of course, at times we all need to watch what we eat. But, no matter what your current weight is, we all deserve to feel beautiful.
Finally, in between all of your studying, working, and other responsibilities, do not forget to listen to what your heart, mind, and soul really want. If that means ordering french fries, order them. If you want the shoes, buy them. If you have the opportunity to book a last minute overnight stay, book it. I promise you that when you are 90 and looking back on your life, you won't remember the extra calories you ate, but the joy the night brought you. Life is about balance and moderation, so remember to make sure that your happiness does not get left behind.
