I think we’ve all heard the phrase that “life is short”. But, it’s not just short, it’s quick, unpredictable, timeless, shocking, and never constant. Sometimes it’s hard and as some like to say “not fair”. It’s also a gift and an opportunity and the great thing about it is that it cycles, with a new day bringing in new hopes, chances, and experiences. And aside from what you believe or what you’ve been programmed to think, you have control over some of those experiences and outcomes. As stated in the Golden Globe Award winning movie Moonlight, “At some point, you got to decide for yourself who you're going to be—can't let nobody make that decision for you.” And I don’t know about you guys but I plan to make every moment count. In a decade from now I do not intend to look around and wonder where I am. 

With this in mind, I think it’s important to discover what you’re living for and that doesn’t have to be a career or goal. You could be persevering the difficult days for family. You could be so hopeful due to your unrelenting faith in God. In other words, what is your daily motivation? And does it come from within? It’s easy to focus on all the negative. But you aren’t standing where you are right now from focusing on the negative. Despite how bad your life may have been or what you have been through, there was just enough light to carry you to where you are. So hold on to that light for as long as you can and allow it to carry you through the dark tunnels. In this life of sin, bliss, and opportunity it’s important for us to remember that we do not exist alone. What makes living so worth it is the people in our lives and the moments that we share with them. Do not be afraid to show love and gratitude to other people. That love and gratitude goes a long way and it makes the difficult days for some people a little easier. 

Nothing I’ve mentioned in this piece is new to you but I thought it was necessary for you to be reminded especially at a time like this. So I want you to join this decree with me. Let’s live for ourselves and the ones we love. Let’s live to continue to create a better place for those who will come after us. Let’s live so that our story, purpose, and message can be told generations away from ours own. Let us live to see the day that our dreams come true. Let us not just live, let us thrive. 

“It’s up to us to choose, whether we win or lose.” This isn’t a game, this is real life.