What Do You Live For?

As you clicked on this link, you were thinking of the typical, "Oh what do I live for" blah blah blah kind of stuff, but I want to go a little deeper with this blog. This will be officially my 30th article, WOAH. It may not sound like a lot to some people, but hey to me that is a lot of writing.

Today, since I am an RA(resident assistant) at college I have the experience/privilege of getting to meet new people, and have new experiences every year, matter fact every day. Tonight we had PIE YOUR RA night, where residents got to PIE us in the face with whipped cream. It was a very fun night, and it made me realize how much of an impact I can have on some of these people. So it inspired me to think, what do I live for. what do you live for?

Do you ever wonder why someone can be so positive? Do you ever wonder why someone can be so optimistic? Do you ever wonder why someone can wake up in the morning and be full of energy? I'm sure we all know someone like that! Lets think outside the box though. My birthday was last week on september the 17th and I was so thankful for all of the people who went out of their day to say happy birthday to me. I also had some friends who even got me some random stuff that I wasn't expecting at all.

So I am going to ask, what do I personally live for? We live in a world where being competitive is harped on, and being the best that you can be, BUT for once why don't we look at what YOU want as opposed to what others want for you to do or be.

As I began writing this, I began to ask myself what do I live for? You think my typical response would be, Family, Friends, Life..etc etc..but I decided to be more specific. Before I go further ask yourself: What do you life for?BE SPECIFIC.

You have heard the expression over and over of: You Only Live Once, and quite frankly it is true. You all have dreams, goals , and ambitions. If you ever have been at a grave site you will notice a DASH between a name on the head stone. There may be nothing written on that dash, but there is a STORY in that dash. How you decide to live during your dash is up to you! So I'll ask you again, what do you live for? Fame, Love, Money..what is it?

When I first walked onto Shippensburg University over 3 years ago, I knew the first day I was ever here that this was the school for me. Almost 4 years later, I can't believe how much time has flown by, and the experiences I have had. I like to call this place my home away from home, because no matter how far away home I am I look at this as a safe place away from home where I feel comfortable. Lets get back to your DASH!

Remember the victims of the VA tech shooting, or the people who past away during 9/11? All of them have their dash on their headstones, and while they may not be here on earth anymore, their lives have affected the nation to this day. So many people out there have the opportunity to do great things, make big things happen and all they need is that special thing/someone or even hope to get them through it all.

You play a role in so many peoples life, whether you know it or not. I think the toughest part of growing up, is growing up. Taking more of a responsible of your future, trying to please so many people in your life, and accepting reality. The truth in all of that: how you decide to live your life impacts what you live for!

Think about it: When was the last time you told your parents you love them, or gave someone a hug. When was the last time that you put down your worries for a day to just do what you want to do? Life is like a rock, its rocky and times get rough, but at the end of the day you keep rolling a long. Your path to life is undetermined and you  don't know where you'll end up, but no matter how big or small you feel, you WILL MAKE IT.

What do you live for?  I live to have the opportunity to go to college to make a positive impact in my life as well as others. I live for all the people who can't do what I can do on a normal basis. I live to learn from my mistakes and become a better person everyday. I live to dream, and fight for what I believe in. I live to love, and show my family that they have shaped me into the man I am today. I live to LIVE. I live to spread my thoughts, and feelings to people who could use them. I live because I have been given the opportunity of a life time, to be the best that I can be every day. I live  because through the ups and downs, I know I will make it.

What do you live for??

I will end with this...

Don't forget about the people who have gotten you to where you are today. People look up to you, some people will look down on you and that is okay. No one person will ever be perfect, but you can always be who you want to be, who you ARE. Don't change for someone else's pleasure, because the people that love you for who you truly are wouldn't ever want you to change.

So what do you live for? How do you want to live your dash? Time will tell...so START NOW. Live your life, be supportive of others, and never forget your life and who you are. Someone out there looks up to you for all you do. Live once, live now, live for today, and never forget what you live for.

Have a great rest of the week everyone.

Grant H.