Living In the Moment

Yesterday marked the last of what has always been a big deal to me -- the first day of school.

And I didn't cry!

I know, I know. Who cries on the first day of school? It's the easiest day of the entire year! I totally understand that, but for some reason throughout my childhood and even into my first two years of high school, I would shed a few tears on the first day of every school year. It seems silly now, but it was fear in not knowing my teachers on a personal level and that I wouldn't "get" the material in the class. It was the idea that I worked so hard and was so conscientious about my grades the semester or year before, that starting all over again seemed dreadful. But yesterday was different.

Yesterday crept up on me after sixteen years of certainty that there will always be a first day of school. There were no tears, only cheers to begin my last semester of college on a clean slate.

As I rode my bike onto campus I felt ready and fully present. I was physically and mentally "there" -- a feeling that often times goes missing while us college students are too busy trying to mold our crafts, network and drive our passion to create a successful career. These things aren't bad, by any means, but I've found that the need to succeed can sometimes suck the life right out of students. I've realized that it's necessary to find the balance between work and play while rewarding your soul with a minute to get in touch with your authentic self.

Yesterday I was able to see the light at the end of the tunnel and it seemed much more apparent than ever before. I rolled out of my comfy twin sized bed and was able to visualize graduation day (4 months from tomorrow!) and could only imagine what it might feel like when finally handed that USC diploma...

I remember putting on my jeans and grabbing my black leather jacket off the hanger, accessorizing my outfit with a nude colored infinity scarf. I recall scuffing my boot on the bike pedal when locking my tire to a tree in front of Annenberg. I remember scanning each classroom when I walked in the door to see if I recognized any familiar faces and pulling out my fresh notepad and perfectly unused pen. My point in recollecting back on yesterday is more about what it felt like to be present and less about it being the last, first day of school.

As busy, exciting and ambiguous life has been in the past two years as a transfer student from San Diego State to USC, it baffles me how time evaporates into thin air. I thought I just graduated from Los Osos High, just moved away to college, and I thought I was just a Pi Beta Phi sorority pledge??? Well SURPRISE! -- it's the last hoorah before transitioning into the Trojan Alumni Network (fight on!)

So I want to make a toast.

Here's to fueling our passions in 2011 and not forgetting to live.in.the.moment!

It's your turn, when's the last time you felt present?

Xo,

MT