Life is short.

Actually, we’re not even promised today. 

Life is so unbelievably short, as we never know when our last day will be our last. I, for one, choose to embrace my life, no matter how long or short it may be, and truly strive to live every moment to its fullest.  

Yes, that means cherishing a few hours with family and friends or out at a party having a few drinks. Sometimes, though, that means relishing in the peace and quiet that is my apartment balcony or going to sleep early. Sometimes, it even means indulging in chocolate and wine (not necessarily in that order) or talking to a friend on the phone for a few hours. Happy hour? Let’s go. Swimming and BBQ? Sure! An evening in curled up on the couch with the world’s softest blanket and a good book to read? I’m there. 

This isn’t about being all #YOLO and taking a lot of risks, not caring about the consequences. I’m talking about truly enjoying life, including the little moments that I’d normally take for granted. The moments like a spontaneous lazy dinner date with my sister last week. Although our plans to watch the Grey’s Anatomy finale failed, we laughed and talked for hours. We caught up on a lot in each other’s lives and I enjoyed every single second. It turns out we have a lot more in common than we ever thought! Not sure how that’s even possible anymore, but we’re constantly being surprised by our similarities! Or moments like spending an entire day inside (yes, even though it was 80-something degrees and gorgeous outside), not changing out of pajamas and watching movie after movie, not caring what time it was or what I had to do.

This past weekend, my Facebook feed was full of prayers and wishes to families whose loved ones passed away – all of them suddenly. And just yesterday, another young lady that I knew in high school passed away, only a short time after her family lost their mother. It breaks my heart to even try to imagine my life without any member of my family. Loss is hard, and it hurts. It’s also inevitable, so while you wake up to yet another day on this earth, thank the Lord for your blessings. Cherish the moments with your loved ones. Laugh a little more. Let go of hurt feelings and bitterness. Life is just too short, friends. Much, much too short.

There will always be more laundry to be folded, dishes to be done, people to worry about, dinners to make, to-do lists to be checked, pictures to take, blog posts to write, homework to be done, packing to do, projects to finish, groceries to buy, and sleep to be caught up on. I’m really trying to not get caught up in all of these never-ending things that consume my thoughts every day and just live life, not worrying constantly about what needs to be done next. Take a leap of faith on that guy/girl you’ve been wanting to ask out. Read that book you’ve been telling yourself you’d get to ‘eventually’. Go to that yoga class you promised your friend you’d try out one day. Try that new church you’ve been driving past for months. Dance like no one is watching. Laugh like there’s no worry in the world. Love like there’s no such thing as hurt. And live like there’s no tomorrow. Because, we’re not promised tomorrow. We’re not even promised today.

Life is too short to worry about all of the little, petty things and people that don’t really matter. I’m going to be judged for so many different reasons and on so many different occasions. It’s okay. It’s part of life! I say, bring it on. Because I know how I feel about myself, and through everything, I’m pretty damn proud of where I am today and the woman I’ve become. I’m strong in my faith and am compassionate towards others. I have a heart of gold (not to brag or anything), and if I love you, I love you fiercely. I stick up for those I care about and would go out of my way even just to visit with you or to be a shoulder to cry on over a bowl full of Ben & Jerry’s. Through all of the hurt and pain I’ve experienced in my life, I truly know that it’s made me a stronger person. I don’t know what lies ahead for me, but I know that life is short, and I don’t want it to pass me by without living every second and cherishing every minute.

Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you. Send a quick text or email to let someone know you’re thinking of them. Or *gasp!* just pick up the phone and call them! Life is too short to pass up opportunities to show love and support for those you love. We never know when your last day will be the last.

What have you been putting off that you should make time for? What’s your favorite way to show your loved ones that you appreciate them? 

And this could not have come at a more perfect time…my girl Brittany from Everyday Thoughts has declared this Friday, May 23rd to be PHONE-FREE FRIDAY! Take the pledge. It could save a life…maybe even your own! Read all about why she started it here. I’m totally pledging!

Do you get distracted by your phone while driving? Will you take the pledge?