What's Happening Now, Already Happened | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

What's Happening Now, Already Happened

A lot of the time we focus on "what was," not "what is." How do we change that?

74
What's Happening Now, Already Happened
https://roadtripparenting.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/friends.jpg

Summer is approaching, and I've already sat countless nights wondering how I want to make the most of it. Do I get a job? Take on an internship? Travel? Stay at home with friends and family? However, that's when I realized that I actually spent more time planning than doing.

Looking back, this concept applied to most of my years of being in school. Or my life, really. And quite honestly, there is a small hint of regret for not being 100% engaged in every moment. But who am I to blame? Each year, my poor Lilly planner was jam packed with colored pen marks and checkboxes. Homework due this day, sports game another day, nail appointment after this, workout session after that, test here, project there, then dealing with friends in-between, time management was, and still is, so important. So how exactly am I supposed to be in the "now?"

That question, at least for me, is still left unanswered (hence why the title says "What I Learned So Far). However, there a lot of factors that made me decide to make a larger effort to be present. After all those times of saying, "Wow. This year went by so fast!" at the end of each year, only proved to me that time isn't slowing down anytime soon. In fact, it only seems to be moving faster. It's scary.

It doesn't help that I am guilty of being glued to my phone to check what's happening in the now, often forgetting that I am pulled away from the "actual" now. I've come to realize, though, that the memories you make aren't based on your Snapchat memories or the photos you post on Instagram or Facebook. The fomo gets real, especially when you miss out on social gatherings or events that you aren't at. Sometimes vicariously living through the snap stories or insta's are the only way to stay in the loop. Yet constantly waiting on a new story from a person, or refreshing a page until a new post comes up, doesn't necessarily help you be in the now; even a post that's been uploaded a second ago, just makes us one second late, not actually present. Therefore, being stuck in the loop really means you are either stuck in the past or the future and never the present. Doesn't it get boring after a while?

It's tiring to let everyone in your loop. Updating social media 24/7, then telling people the same backstory over and over again until everyone knows. Being aware of what is around you could be the kind of attention you should be paying to find out more about yourself. It's about knowing what you want, not others want, and using your time for you, not for anyone else. And quite frankly, there isn't enough time in the day to truly treat yourself as much as you should, so don't put it to waste. The memories you wish to cherish should not be for others, and if you feel the need to be on your phone at a specific time, place, and moment, then maybe it isn't worth genuinely remembering at all.

I encourage everyone, especially those who have just graduated high school, to make the most of their last summer before moving into college. Who knows? Maybe you will see something in yourself that you can't find on your phone.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

69674
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

3576
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

7675
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments