Let's Ditch This "Now or Never" Mentality

It's official. We now live in the YOLO generation. There are a plethora of songs about "living like we're dying." Parents and grandparents urge us to have fun while we are young. Professors urge us to take as many opportunities as possible while we're in college. I just saw a post on Pinterest yesterday that said "One day you will wake up and there won't be any more time to do the things you've always wanted." Live in the moment. Carpe diem. Now or never.

And I'm sick of it.

I am very susceptible to this line of thinking. I tend to constantly worry about making each moment count. I try to jump on every opportunity presented because it might be my only chance. Being wrapped up in what I might regret missing is actually ruining my present instead of enhancing it. In some instances, my YOLO state of mind has brought great joy to my life. It helped me to study abroad and go to concerts. I met some great friends when I said "Yes" to an offer. I discovered new places while geocaching and new food by just walking in a new place. But I have also overburdened myself on many occasions with too many things. Think the movie Yes, Man. 

But here's the thing I need to tell myself. And all of you. We can't take a job or buy a house or go on a trip or do anything because it might be our last opportunity to do so. It not "now or never." It's "this opportunity or another one." This week one of my professors said to me. "Never ever make a decision out of fear. Whenever possible, make it out of joy." She told me that she had job offers in Florida and California, but chose to come to UNL because her visit to Nebraska made her feel good.

The other day on the phone with my mom, I heard myself say "I'm afraid" way too many times. "I'm afraid I won't be happy if I make the wrong choice now." "I'm afraid if I don't move somewhere new now, I never will." "I'm afraid I chose the wrong major altogether." "I'm afraid I can't make a difference here." I think this is a common sentiment. Friends have told me they are afraid if they can't make a relationship work now, they may never find someone. Others have told me they are afraid if they don't go back to school now, they'll never get another degree. Our society is always worried we'll be too late to have kids or travel the word or run a marathon.

Sometimes, though, the best things come not by seizing the moment, but by having a little bit of patience. In a society of immediate satisfaction, this is difficult to bear. Let's live in today...but also remember there is always tomorrow.

Things That Make Me Happy

I have been incredibly stressed lately. This isn't unusual for me, as I tend to fret about little things too much, but with a new environment in student teaching, building resumés, and thinking about entering the "real world", the stress level is really high. It affects my health (back problems), sleep, and energy at all times. So I have to remind myself of things that make me happy and do as many of them as possible. That's what this blog is for.

What Makes Me Happy?

1. Writing. Even if it's a stupid list on my blog. Writing always makes me feel better about my day.

2. Funny movies. I rented 22 Jump Street and How to Train Your Dragon 2 last night and couldn't stop smiling.

3. Hot showers.

4. Singing and/or dancing along to the radio.

5. A good snuggle with a dog or cat.

6. The first sip of a bottle of Mountain Dew.

7. Getting all dressed up to go out for dinner or drinks.

8. Buying a new piece or clothing or accessory.

9. My new bed.

10. Laughing. About anything.

11. Starting a new book.

12. Diving into a swimming pool (I can't remember the last time I was able to do this.)

13. Getting something that isn't a bill in the mail.

14. Warm weather. Or at least the sun.

15. Talking to my mom on the phone.

16. Checking something off my to-do list (especially if it has been on there for weeks.)

17. Getting a massage.

18. Getting a compliment.

Thinking happy thoughts is sometimes half the battle. And I have thought of 18 of them. Have a wonderful Sunday.

Happy Moments of 2014

As we move into a new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the year gone by. When I came home for Christmas break this year, I asked my dad if he wanted me to make a Christmas/New Year card to send to friends and family. His response was, "Nothing good happened this year to celebrate. Let's just forget it." I understand this sentiment. I really do. After losing a sister and a father, it's hard to imagine cheerful moments. But I don't want to remember 2014 as "that awful year where nothing good happened." So here are my happy moments of 2014.

*Brigitte came and visited me in Lincoln and we went to The Lego Movie. We laughed more than any of the kids in the theatre.

*The Olympics. Oh how I loved the Olympics. And now I must wait so long...

Isn't he lovely?

*My cousin Alyssa's  birthday party. She performed Let It Go for us and did this to Josh.


















*Some of my best friends graduated this year. So proud of all of them.

*I danced more than I've ever danced before at Ashley's wedding.




*I followed my dream and made a trip by myself across the ocean to study in Stirling, Scotland.





*I went kayaking and paddle boarding in the ocean! And ziplining. It was so invigorating.

They were hunting toads.

*My mom got a new puppy that slobbers all over my face every time I walk in the door. And he brightens our whole house.






*I read some great books. And that's always happy for me.












*I gained another new cousin this year, Austin Jack Siel. And look how he made Grandpa smile :)

*I screamed my lungs out at Husker football games...and had satisfying meals at Tico's after the games.

My cooperating teacher is sneaky and took this the 1st day we taught.
You can tell how engaged the students are haha.  

*I created my own lessons and taught my first class of students. And found out middle school kids aren't that bad.



*I had wonderful conversations around a fire in the backyard of my grandparent's home with family. I remembered how wonderful my family really is and appreciated them more when we were together in some sad times.




*I watched many scary movies and went to a haunted house/field with my horror-loving friends.

*I was part of a Broomball team...and didn't kill myself doing it.






*Some wonderful evening with appetizers and drinks at the Starlite Lounge with amazing friends.

*These Christmas outfits we made our dogs wear.

Look how he's grown!

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you find joy in 2015!