Explore. Dream. Discover.
She pulled up to my house to pick me up driving a brand new candy apple red convertible, her ear cartilage pierced and short dark hair blowing in the wind. Within the next year she was studying to attain her pilot’s license, regularly donning the aviator sunglasses popularized by Fossil; in my mind it was all lunacy, a midlife crisis, a cry to youth – all until the day my grandmother told me she was going to skydive.
Unlike my father who thought his mother was a head case, I finally saw what my Gran had been pursuing all along; a life which she would take joy from in every moment, instead of mildly melting into her old age and accepting her life as a wife and caretaker. So from this incredible woman, I came to a realization: everyone should live their life with passion in every moment, like she had during the past five years. And why not do it all? Be it skydiving, investing in a convertible, or piercing things we never even dreamed of? It is such a short time that we have on earth, so why not enjoy it? Why not stop playing the clarinet if you really want to play the guitar? Why not explore that city you’ve been dying to see? Why not finally take those salsa dancing lessons that you’ve been wanting for ages? Perhaps you’ll even invite that cutie in your class to be your partner.
To enjoy every moment you have to live is the greatest gift you can give yourself, that is what my Gran taught me. If you are adventurous and hold a constant fervor for your life, you won’t be dissatisfied with what you were too apprehensive to do yesterday, and how great it would have been; you won’t have to worry about “would-haves” and “could’ve-beens”, because there won’t be any. So take chances, be brave, and freefall into the unknown, like my grandma did one hot summer day. What is the point in living if you don’t live every moment, take chances, and love every second of it? So take life with eager hands; grasp it and hold on tight. “Seize the day” as my grandma always advises, live your dreams like she is. Because this I believe: that the best life is that which is truly lived.