As young adults, we spend little time considering our mortality. We like to think of ourselves as untouchable.

Perhaps it’s our lack of experience,or maybe we can attribute this perceived invincibility to our undeveloped brains, but, whatever the reason may be, it is undeniable that we make downright ludicrous decisions. 

We say hurtful words, drive over the speed limit, break rules, maybe even break laws, and enjoy the thrill of dangerous situations. Hence, the existence of the popular saying amongst our

generation: “YOLO.”

It is a fact that the life you are currently living occurs but only once. To many, this is justification for recklessness. Even Kesha so eloquently states: “let’s make the most of the night like we’re gonna die young.”

Although many of the world’s teenagers and young adults are chanting alongside Kesha, I believe YOLO encompasses a deeper meaning. The fact that we only live once should do more than justify thoughtless behaviors. We only live once; therefore, we should fully come to means about what it is we want out of this world and commit to it

without fear. 

YOLO should act as an awakening to not waste our lives with what we do not want. We all have passions, but so few of us embrace them. We are afraid of what it could do to the acclaimed college experience, or what stepping out of the norm could do to us. 

We all know there exists ridicule when we deviate from the path others believe we should take, but you only live once so why be afraid of living out

your passions? 

If you want to travel the world, what is stopping you, really? If you want to be the first dentist in a family line of physicians, why should the norm inhibit you from pursuing your calling? 

We can conjure up a million excuses: It’s  too expensive, it’s impractical or it’s unfamiliar. But if we fully grasp the fact that we only live once and that the clock is constantly ticking away, maybe we can look past the smaller things in life, money, practicality and the norm, and focus on what’s truly meaningful: Finding something you love, some place you love and maybe even someone

you love. 

After all, aren’t those the things that will last engraved in your memory as you grow older? That you followed your passions and pursued a career you can be proud of? 

Maybe my ideas are too romantic. There is no doubt that my dreams hold a bit of impracticality. But as my life comes to a close, I want to feel a level of assurance that my life was lived following my passions. 

Forget fear. Embrace who you are, what you want and what you love. You only live once, so why not try to make that life all the more beautiful?