Some people live their entire lives without ever really living a minute. This I believe.
Whether it be those who choose to occupy every moment of their lives with scheduled, organized events and follow busy, very repetitive schedules, or those who are the cautious, worrying type and hesitate to take chances and be impulsive once in a while, both categories forfeit and sacrifice numerous opportunities for adventure and eliminate certain spontaneity in life. Anyone who submits themselves to either of these lifestyles is overlooking the many options offered in life and would benefit, rather, from taking a leap of faith. I believe that every time a person opts to take a chance, that is one less minute they haven’t lived.
I believe that fear of failure continually prevents people from doing something viewed as unconventional or risky. Personally, it does, in fact, seem more reliable and safe when completing an assignment to go the typical, predictable route and produce a result that will allow for no chance of failure, but merely meet expectations. However, I have realized that the more inventive, resourceful, and imaginative person regularly exceeds their goal, is more appreciated by the teacher or professor, and is more admired and respected by the public. In addition to this, a person striving to work in a field that generally offers uncertainty in terms of income, such as an artist or musician, may fear struggling to provide for him or herself, and instead choose a career path that they do not truly enjoy. This then brings up the question: Why should this fear of uncertainty and struggle affect one’s dreams and aspirations?
I believe that we get caught up in the mundane, necessary day-to-day activities that keep us from focusing on our true passions. While there are many advantages to this lifestyle and some people think that they have to be involved in every single activity in order to live in the minute, there are also drawbacks. Furthermore, when everything is structured, there is no room for creativity, so how can one live in the minute? Without creativity, I believe that a person has nothing to be passionate about, and therefore, is not taking advantage of the many options that life offers. A life without a goal or passion is a life where a person simply moves from point A to point B and back again with no general idea which direction to go after that. When a person is passionate about something, they will take risks to reach their goals in life and live in the minute.
While there are many ways in which a person can achieve a sense of happiness, I believe that the only way to become lastingly satisfied, a person must allow for an element of surprise and uncertainty occasionally. Take risks, have a passion, and pursue your dreams, and then you are truly living every minute.