Almost 10 years ago, I moved to Kansas.
For almost 10 years, I’ve been wishing and dreaming of the day I would at last be free from the Land of Oz.
The day I would be free to live by the ocean, to travel the world, to experience new cultures. And now, 10 years later, the day has almost arrived.
Who knew it would come so fast?
There was the blur of the succession of new backpacks, Thanksgivings, family trips, sweltering Augusts, Homecoming dances, Christmas parties and last days of school.
Finally, the last of the lasts draws near.
Graduation.
As I think back on my time in Kansas, the thought is always the same.
I wish I would have appreciated it more.
I wish I would have spent more time on the prairie, more afternoons at the Nelson and more evenings with my family.
I wish I would have taken a few more deep breaths and a few more naps.
So, in order to remain faultless, I blame high school. I blame the consuming classes, my busy extracurricular schedule and my athletic involvement.
The funny thing is, I was living in the moment but always looking to the future.
I could sense my college experience and world travels right around the corner.
All I wanted was the next weekend, the next break — I had always figured that if I could make it to that next marker, I would have time to slow down and enjoy the little things.
But time never did slow down, and, for a long while, I didn’t make time for the things that really mattered.
Then, as the college process began, I realized my time left in Kansas was too short to allow my existence to be consumed by a day-in, day-out routine of school-homework-occasional meal-bed-repeat.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve loved everything I’ve done at BV and look back regretting none of my experiences. My classes, Relay For Life, cross country and Student Council have certainly shaped the person I have become over the past four years, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
But, I began to change the little things — trips to the Arboretum and ice cream runs after school with friends, backyard play sessions with my family — finally doing things I had always been saving for the next open window.
It made all the difference in the world.
So, here’s my challenge to you. I know there has been a lot of build-up to this point, so I apologize for the ensuing cliché.
But, live each day like it’s your last.
Not in a “YOLO” sense of the phrase, but in a way that allows you to go to sleep each night happy, knowing that the day was worth living.
Your future will be here soon enough, I promise. Too soon, even.
Spend time with your family. Go out with your friends. Take advantage of the fun opportunities BV has to offer.
Just make sure when your head hits the pillow each and every night, you know you did everything in your power to add zest and flavor to your life.
It’s been real, BV. Evelyn out.