We all know the acronym "YOLO" -- you only live once. Last week was a very tough week for me. Three people I knew (extended family member, close coworker and family friend) died suddenly within the span of two days. Hearing about how they left us got me thinking, and I realized that our lives can be taken from us at any moment, and that freaks me out.

So I'm writing this in the hopes that I inspire you to enjoy your time with the people you care most about, because you never know when a loved one, or even you, could pass on.

So consider this your "pep-talk" with your coach, boss, or mentor. What you choose to gain from this is up to yo, but I just want to get the message across in the best way I can.

We shouldn't take everything so seriously all the time, but instead try to have fun once in a while and do things by thinking with our guts, not our brains. We miss out on so many opportunities by second guessing ourselves or thinking we can't do it. We can do a lot of things we think we aren't capable of doing.

Here's the most important thing that I think people (including myself) should work on for the future: say "yes" more.

If someone asks you to hang out with them after work or school and all you want to do is watch Netflix, say yes. Netflix will always be there when you get home. If someone asks you to go on a hike or on a spontaneous trip, say yes. You never know what you'll see or who you'll meet along the way. If a family member is planning a little reunion/dinner/trip and invites you, say yes. You never know how much time you really have with them, and it's important to them to see you every once in a while.

Stop being afraid to take risks and step outside of your comfort zone. Life is such a wonderful privilege that we get to experience, and sometimes, we take it for granted.

Basically, if an opportunity arises in which you can take risks or spend time with people you love and who love you, take it. Your life shouldn't just be about school or your job --reserve some time for your happiness and the people who you cherish.

Live your life to the fullest. Yes -- I know that's a cliché that's been said over and over. But seriously, we are all given one life, and how you live it is your choice and your choice only. However, I highly suggest you spend your time doing things that make you smile and provide you and your loved ones with memories that you'll all remember forever.

Everyone leaves an individual mark on the world, whether it be because of a discovery, invention, documentary, movie, volunteer service, corporation, etc. Find a career that makes you feel like you're not working, but rather living your dream doing what you love.

We all have one life. Spend it with friends, family and by having fun along the way -- because we never know when our time is up.