Sometimes life events happen that shift your entire perspective. For me, I just had one of these shifts. I lost one of my best friends from home on Valentine’s Day, and it was, and still is, the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced. I never thought I would lose someone so close to me so young. Laura would have been a bridesmaid at my wedding, she would have been an “aunt” to my kids, and she would have been around me my entire life. To not have her anymore is truly devastating.
After Laura’s passing, something changed in me. I really stepped back and looked at my life. Who is important? What matters? From here on out… especially with one year of college to go… I want to focus on what is important. I don’t want to care too much about the little things, worry about the future excessively, or put time and effort into things that aren’t going to amount to things in the future.
Laura was someone who always did what she wanted, and cherished her time with everyone she knew. She was kind to everyone, and always focused on making others happy. She truly fulfilled her purpose in her 20 short years she had on this earth. Her spirit impacted everyone who met her, and she was unlike anyone else I’ve ever met. I’m so lucky to be able to call her a best friend.
My advice for whoever is reading this post: live life. Take life day by day. I know it’s a cliché but it’s so true… life is incredibly short. Find your true friends and treasure them. Don’t hold grudges, don’t have regrets, don’t take anyone in your life for granted, and don’t flake on plans because you want to Netflix and chill. Don’t miss out on opportunities to make memories.
This can also be implemented on a minor scale as well. Eat two dinners in the dining hall if you feel like it, spend less time on homework if it means getting out there and meeting more people and spending valuable time with friends. Be kind to everyone you meet. You may not believe it, but a smile or holding a door for a complete stranger can really make someone’s day. It’s okay to not follow your plan. Stray away from your planner, take chances and follow through on your impulses. Life is too short to not live every day like your last.
So I hope you join me and take my advice. From here on out – treat each day is a treasure. I know I want to fill my last year of college with positive memories and immersing myself in my friendships. I want to live like Laura.
