Have you ever regretted not doing something when you had the chance to? Me too. A lot of people have this same regret about not taking the chance to do something while they have the opportunity to.
As a society, we are all so “sucked into” social media and make poor life choices. So much so, and excuse my use of this cliche, that we don’t enjoy the little things in life.
Live in the moment. Take those risks that you want to take, provided that they’re not harmful or illegal.
If you’re willing to spend money, then travel. I’m someone who has never been out of the country, or even the East Coast for that matter. However, I decided at the end of last semester to go on the School of Communication’s Ireland trip, and I have never been more excited, but also anxious, to travel internationally.
This anxiety isn’t the bad kind either. Sure, there are bits of the trip that are quite anxiety-inducing, but the excitement outweighs my fears.
However, because I took that chance, I got access to an opportunity that I would never have had in my life.
People are also sucked in and almost paralyzed by the current state of the U.S. and the world, for that matter. And while it isn’t easy to push those thoughts away, it is definitely worth trying.
Take the summer break to do something that you have always wanted to do. Make a bucket list if that will help.
Living in the moment doesn’t just mean doing things that you’ve always wanted to do. It also means being immersed in the moment. This can include turning your phone off when you’re with friends to avoid the distraction of the screen. It can include taking a weekend camping trip in the wilderness and avoiding technology – which, from personal experience as a technology “addict” is cathartic.
At Point Park, students are heavily set in their ways. To be fair, we have to deal with class schedules, clubs and other commitments. But most students hardly ever take the time that they do have to do anything they truly enjoy.
Instead of basing your whole personality and work ethic around Pittsburgh sports, for instance, why not take some of that passion and direct it elsewhere, to something that will actually make you happy? Pittsburgh’s professional teams can’t stop losing anyway, it seems. Take an interest in something that can bring you joy.
Get away from the noise and business of Downtown and go stargaze in an area with no light pollution. For instance, go to the observatory in the Northside neighborhood of Observatory Hill. It is the highest point in the city and gives fantastic views of the city and the sky, even if you can’t get inside the observatory itself. Don’t even use your phone during this time as it would ruin the moment.
Living in the moment can even include something as small as reading a book and getting immersed in the story, which is arguably healthier than the blue light coming from a screen.
My point isn’t to bash the habits that we follow everyday, but rather suggest an occasional deviation from these habits. This will serve to better your health as well as your mind.
You aren’t just limited to what I listed in the article, of course. Make your own decisions, preferably safe and healthy ones. Remember to utilize your imagination.
