My Thoughts On The Phrase YOLO | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

My Thoughts On The Phrase YOLO

Insight from a native Californian who lives life to the fullest.

1035
My Thoughts On The Phrase YOLO
Truthnetmedia

The phrase “you only live once,” better known by its hastag #yolo, seems to be the best excuse for having done something stupid. For instance, getting wasted on a weekday night and falling down the frat basement stairs: #Yolo. Dyeing your hair orange and then crying over it for the next few weeks: #Yolo.

But YOLO isn’t just “Carpe Diem” for stupid people. At least, it shouldn’t be. To me, YOLO is a way of life—a way of enjoying finite life to the fullest.

It means being yourself, focusing on your life and doing the things you want to do, no matter what others think. It means spending less time on the lives of celebrities and more on your own life. It means understanding that you come into this world by yourself and leave the world on your own. Throughout the course of your life, the lives of many loved ones will cross paths with yours, but the one who will always be there for you from start to end is yourself. So love everything about you, cherish your life above all else and make time to spend on yourself.

"Only" implies urgency. It means that 80 years isn’t actually long enough for those nightly Netflix binges to be worth it. It means that eventually you and your entire existence will disappear forever from the face of this world—and all of your hopes, loves and feelings will also one day die with you (unless if you believe in reincarnation or you are actually a cat). If you are 20 right now, you have already spent up half of your life where you are the most healthy and youthful. So make every day matter, not just the occasional reckless actions.

Living is not the same thing as “existing.” A lot of people—by their own poor choices or due to helpless circumstances they were born into—never get beyond the stage of existing. There are so many people just trying to survive and also so many others who think that they are alive by eating and breathing. However, they could make their lives more significant. Their lives could be role models for others, a leader of this world, a seeker of the ultimate truth—so stop right now and think for a moment. Are you actually living your life? Or are you simply existing?

Once upon a time you lived, you loved and you laughed. Once upon a time you met the love of your life, you climbed the tallest peak in the world and you had so many friends because you were in college. Yet, nothing stays constant; everything is bound to change. Most of the time, you only get one chance. When you pass up on it, you will never have the same opportunity again. So preserve every second of your life and always do your best.

I do not fear death, but I hope to have lived every moment of my life to the fullest. What about you?

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

Whether you love them or hate them, it's undeniable the Kardashian/ Jenner family has built an enormous business empire. Ranging from apps, fashion lines, boutiques, beauty products, books, television shows, etc. this bunch has shown they are insane business moguls. Here are seven reasons why the Kardashian/ Jenner family should be applauded for their intelligent business tactics.

Keep Reading...Show less
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

2769
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

2369
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments