time that you enjoy wasting is not time wasted
There needs to be a word for the feeling when you look back at an old photo and you can hardly recognize your own smile.
“If it counts for anything,” he hesitated.
“It does,” I tell him.
There’s something about hand written letters that makes you put down the phone, and close the laptop. You find the nearest seat to sit as you read it. It makes you feel a little older than you actually are.
In your study of physics, you have seen theories proposed, tested, and refined or abandoned. Through this continual upheaval, one thing has remained constant. We constantly crave a physical understanding of the universe and use all our tools to this end. Perhaps this is the greatest lesson of all. Science, and indeed life, should be seen as an unceasing interplay between need, technological innovation, and theory. If our craving for physical insight is destined never to be fully satisfied, we may still experience a selfless joy in directing our finite intellects to a reality exceeding our intellectual limitations. Perhaps it’s the process that counts, not the end result.
“You say that you’re not passionate about anything, but that’s because you’re passionate about just everything.”
“What’re you doing up so late?”
“Losing sleep over you.”
So I’ve gotten a little more dramatic since the last time I made a post like this at 18. Oops.
1. 30 seconds is all it takes.
Life is made up of little pieces – 30 second pieces. You don’t have to be brave all the time, only for 30 seconds at a time. Say what needs to be said, do what needs to be done, or let go of what needs to be left behind. 30 seconds is all you need.
2. Stop convincing yourself that you’re not ready.
Being afraid and not being ready are two different things.
3. It’s worth it.
Especially if it scares you.
4. Stop telling people what they want to hear.
You don’t ever have to justify yourself. You can, if you want – there’s nothing wrong with that. But don’t ever feel like you have to explain why you did something to somebody who doesn’t know who you are.
5. Don’t let things collect dust.
Souvenirs and old gifts are great for memories. It’s nice to see the evidence of something good in your life sitting on the top shelf of your drawer. But the truth is, I’ve never felt more trapped sitting around the reminisce of old memories of people who were no longer apart of my life. It’s time to let it go.
6. If you’re going to ask a question, then be ready for an answer.
Too many times, I’ve asked ambiguous questions thinking that it’ll bring me closure. Or sometimes I’ll get an answer that I don’t ever actually come to terms with. You’re never going to get the closure you need until you’re ready to accept an answer.
7. Make connections.
I am convinced that you meet people for a reason. If that’s not true, then make a reason. Everybody you meet will know something that you do not.
8. Stop trying to find the right time.
There will never be a right time. Stop waiting for things to be more convenient. Stop trying to plan out your life as if you have any idea of what’s to come. Don’t wait until the summer is over to break up with your significant other. Don’t wait until somebody is ready to hear something before you tell them. Stop fixing your life around other agendas.
9. Relax.
Take a day off.
10. Don’t be stupid.
If you’re a pedestrian, you have the right of way. This does not mean you have the right to be an idiot. Sorry.
11. Get out there.
Attend a BBQ. Sing at the coffee house. Stop by on the occasional party. You’re never going to make any real memories if you keep saying “maybe next time.”
12. Learn from others.
Sometimes, your friends are better teachers than your professors.
13. Learn new things.
Expand your vocabulary. Talk to interesting people. Take a course that’s not part of your program. You need to constantly surround yourself with unfamiliar knowledge.
14. The world doesn’t wait.
Do not sit there be feeling sorry for yourself. You need to be constantly moving, because that is how the world is. I remember spending a good part of my time early in the year sulking about how much I hated where I was. As if that was going to help me get to a better place.
15. Never be ashamed of asking for help.
It doesn’t matter what it’s for. But just remember that you shouldn’t feel bad for taking up somebody’s time. You’re important. You’re supposed to take up time. And if they can’t see that, then you’re asking the wrong person.
16. Smarts vs. Intelligence.
I have met incredibly smart people in university. I have also met incredibly intelligent people. The difference is that intelligence does not come out of a textbook. It is not recognized by a letter grade. You can recognize intelligence because you think to yourself, “Wow. This person understands their place in the world. They know what they are doing and how they are going to do it.” Intelligent people are engaged. They are curious. They push boundaries. They have stories to tell you because they live a life worth telling.
17. Moving on doesn’t happen over night.
If you need to talk about something twice, three times, or every day for the next year then I’m all ears. Don’t think that you’re not allowed to take a moment – or a few. Even if you need to talk about the same thing, your feelings will change with each new day. And your feelings deserve to be heard.
18. Be impulsive.
This year I hopped on a plane and crossed the globe. A couple of nights before I did this, I had no idea I even had any plans for the summer. But it was 4am and I wanted to do something that I would remember. Sometimes, the best decisions you make are the ones that you make without a second thought. Hint: I’m talking about more than just spontaneous vacations.
19. Educate yourself.
I don’t mean by attending class (even though you definitely should). You need to educate yourself about this world. You need to know what’s going on in politics, in the economy, and in the local community. You do not want to be the ignorant one in the conversation. There are some people out there doing some really important things. You need to learn about these important things and learn how you can help. The world is changing and it needs your help.
“There’s nothing new with me.
It’s the same things that make me sad.
I’m tired of seeing
people tired of hearing about it.”
“I love reruns.”
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