One thing I have learned in Europe is how much we take for granted back home. Americans have a bad habit of always being on the go and not taking enough time to relax and enjoy life. In Spain, there is no such thing as time. It’s casual to show up an hour late for an appointment and a normal supper time is 10:00 p.m. Their philosophy is, “you can sleep when you’re dead.” I’m not saying we should take it to this extreme in America, but maybe try to adapt a more hedonistic lifestyle for ourselves.

I’m guilty of this. I’m a college kid, I know how it is. I’m always worried about my classes and workouts which leaves me with little time to relax and do things for me. When I’m not in classes, I’m worried about working and making enough money to make it through the month. When I finally do get the chance to take a small adventure, it makes me realize how much I love this life. All it takes is a road-trip home with the windows down and the music up or a campfire on a random dead end with my friends to take my stress level down.

Sounds easy, right? It’s a lot easier said than done. As kids, we are taught that GPA is everything and the most important thing in our life is our schooling and how well we do in our classes- I don’t think this is true. Of course, it’s important to do well in school and care about grades but it isn’t everything. The important things in life are appreciating what God has given us, which is this beautiful life. The only way to do this is to “stop and smell the roses.” Believe me, it can change my mood. It’s like getting a big breath of fresh air which gives me the positive attitude to continue my day with a smile on my face.

All of these things are important; classes, workouts, and making enough money to live. I’m definitely not saying they aren’t. I’m going to continue to work hard to get good grades, attend every workout and give it my best and work so I can afford to live, but I will also take more time for myself. I will take spontaneous adventures and discover new places and I will learn to appreciate all the little things surrounding me.

What I hope is that I can influence some people back home to do the same. It takes one adventure, one time to stop and smell the roses and you’ll get it. You’ll understand why I’m in such a better mood when I take the time to thank God for all the beautiful things around me. So, take the time for yourself. Go! Get lost somewhere. I’ve learned that you find some of the greatest sites and experience some of the greatest adventures when you are. These are the adventures that you will learn to appreciate.