The Time We Have Left | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Time We Have Left

With all the days in our lifetime, what will you do with them?

26
The Time We Have Left
zefrank1

A new outlook as a result of The Time You Have (In Jellybeans)

28,835. The average American lives 28,835 days. These days are spent in school, bathing, eating, studying, commuting, doing all the thing necessary to continue living our lives the way we are supposed to; doing the deeds we need to survive. This leaves us approximately 2,740 days to do anything else. Hearing a number over two thousand seems impressive. It feels as if we have forever.

What if I separate it into weeks? 391. Still seem like a lot? 98 months.

8 years.

We only have the equivalent of 8 years to do the things we love the most, the things that make us human. Laughing, smiling, crying, listening to music, throwing a football, hugging your parents, fighting with your siblings, dancing with your best friends to music at 2 in the morning when you have classes or work the next day. 2,740 days doesn't seem that long anymore, does it?

Out of the 79 years, the 28,835 days, 10% of that time is doing all these things. At the young age of 18, I'm 23% of the way done with my average life. I've used 1.84 of my 8 years of free time.

How did I spend this time? Sitting behind a computer screen? Laying down watching Netflix or texting? What about taking selfies, or shopping? Don't forget about the teenage gossip and drama. All that time wasted crying over that boy that didn't like me back or that friend that wouldn't stop talking about me. How much of my 1.84 years did I spend worrying about these little things?

It's how we're raised. We're taught to take each day at a time, focusing on the tasks at hand. We are taught to not get ahead of ourselves.

How is that supposed to work, though? I don't want to look back at my 8 years and wonder, "Where did time go?" "Why didn't I do this?" "Would my life be different if I changed how I acted?"

You can live in "the now", but not forget that there's more to life than just this day. I study hard so in the future, I can make missionary trips to third world countries. I introduce myself to everyone I meet because I never know who will change my life for the better. I join all these clubs and organizations because it builds me into a better person, puts me into a group of amazing people, and causes a smile to stick to my face 24/7. I do volunteer work because it warms my heart so much I can feel it in my finger tips.

We were put on this Earth for more than who ends up with the most money, the most amount of materialistic items. We were created to smile, to laugh, to love. There will always be worries. There will always be stress. There will always be those things that leave you paralyzed with fear. However, we cannot sit back and just watch life fly by us. We cannot sit hoping for better things to come when we won't get up to make it happen.

Now I ask you all the question that leaves everyone paralyzed. Let's say today was your last day. Would you be satisfied with it? This isn't my way of telling you every day should be some big adventure. My day consisted of classes, club meetings, and endless homework. But I smiled today. I laughed today. I surrounded myself with amazing people. These are the smallest, yet most valuable things life has to offer.

Take some of your time to watch that amazing video linked above. It might just be exactly what you need.

So, how are you going to change your days? How will you be proud of your 8 years?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

26611
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

11116
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

8226
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments