You’re Only Young Once

One thing I’ve learnt this long weekend is that you are only young once.

We’ll have our entire lives to be mature and responsible and save! Now, I’m not saying go out and blow all your money or be completely irresponsible. In fact, I don’t mean that at all. I simply mean – have fun. Whether your fun means going out to eat, staying home to watch a movie with your friends, dancing in your living room, singing in your bathroom, or doing the funky chicken at your cousin’s wedding. Do something impulsive, something that makes you smile. Sooner or later, we’ll have jobs or spouses or kids or bank loans or cars. Sooner or later, we’ll have responsibilities. We won’t have time do something as simple as stretching in the morning, and when we do, we’ll look back on today and think, ‘I should have done more when I was younger…’ Unless, of course, you did do enough when you were younger. Then, over time, you won’t even have to say a word – that smirk will just come across your face.

My dad has always told me to have balance, to save while you have fun. Do something to congratulate yourself once you finish an essay or exam, whether it be giving yourself a cookie or going out. However, at the same time, remember that though you are young you still do have responsibilities. People rely on you and, most importantly, control yourself. Know the positive and negative outcomes of every decision, think before you act, and be rational…SOMETIMES!

Smile a lot, surround yourself with people who smile a lot, learn about your family, support those in need, and remember – stressed is just desserts spelt backwards.