YOLO might be on to something after all. The overused acronym standing for “you only live once” has been taken to excuse stupidity in many circumstances, but the meaning is more significant than what you might realize.

Thinking of the deeper meaning brings me way back to my elementary days. Each morning the intercom squealed into every classroom and Black Eyed Peas’ “Where is the Love” would play through the speaker.

“People killin', people dyin'

Children hurt can you hear them cryin'?

Can you practice what you preach?

And would you turn the other cheek?”

We need to take these impactful questions they ask us seriously. With the one life you have to live, are you treating each day with kindness and compassion for others? Our lives run by quickly as hours become days and days transform into years. Before we know it we will be looking back on the ‘good old days.’ What stories will you long to share?

Like many college students, I find it easy to get wrapped up in my own life and tend to live many self-centered days. Amidst the chaos of choosing majors, building resumes and following dreams, it may seem as if life is supposed to be all about you. It’s true: you should take your studies and future seriously. Yet, it is also important to remember that you are not the only one living your one life. Take some of your time and give it to others. Tonight I entered the library with the feeling we know all too well: complete hopelessness. Time was not on my side to finish my cluttered to do list, but I walked in and my entire day was made in that moment. There were women from the organization Ladies Acts of Random Kindness (LARK) standing near the entrance. The simple act of handing out snacks to students as they entered the library made many nights of stress easier and brought smiles to faces. One lady I talked with told me how her husband, inspired by LARK’s services, gave his gloves to a homeless man one cold night. The power of kindness and spreading joy, hope and love to random strangers is incredibly impactful. A quote on their sign read, “Be the reason someone smiles.” Tonight, LARK was the reason I smiled.

As cliché it may sound to some, it is really a simple solution to a happy and well-lived life. Spread kindness, look out for others and do this with a joyful heart. You only have one life; treat yourself and everyone you meet with respect. Life is a beautiful gift that we need to celebrate each day. Take time out of each day that will make life meaningful, whether that is traveling, meeting a new friend or partaking in a random act of kindness. We have been blessed with one life, so let’s go out and make a difference for other’s lives. Let’s live our life to the fullest by lighting our flame of love and joy to those we surround.

You only live once; do so with love.