What is stopping you from living the life you have always dreamt of? Maybe it’s school, work, or money. Maybe you are scared of failing, of the possibility that your dreams will die. While these are all fair and valid things to think about, let me put an idea in your head. We get one life. Around 27,375 days to make an impact on this world. 

  “How do I do it?” you may think. “How do I make the most of every day despite the hardships and challenges?” It is not always going to be easy. Every single person on this planet faces death, sadness, let downs, and bad days. The difference between someone who dies feeling empty and someone who dies fulfilled is how they spent their life. So how do you lead a life you love?

       Step one: find what brings you joy. Maybe it’s art, sports, music, animals, or traveling. Find what sets your heart on fire and cling to it. Find time every day to do one thing you love. Keep in mind that that thing won’t always be easy or fun, but remember what you are doing it for. The feeling of performing or playing, of success. Harness the high you get from your activity. 

    Step two: spend time with those you love. Whether it’s family, friends, or even pets, find the people who make you the best version of yourself. Learn the difference between a person who makes you feel good when you come home and one who makes you feel regretful and tired. Do not waste your life pleasing people who do not fill your cup. 

   Step three: stop waiting. This step is the hardest for me. I have to constantly remind myself to stop waiting for the weekend, stop waiting for college, stop waiting for adulthood. Make the most of the time you have right now, right here. At the very least, grow from these experiences and make memories. Live in the moment. Be present. 

    This mindset is far from an easy one. Some might say that living life like this is immature or reckless. By truly following these steps, you should not only be able to die content and fulfilled, but live happy and free. Putting this filter on life and giving one hundred percent to loving life, you may find yourself making others happy too. 

    So maybe tonight as you lie in bed about to drift to sleep, think about your answer to this question. What is my “dream life” and what is stopping me from making it my reality?