YOLO

What is with all this 'YOLO' (you only live once) nonsense? It seems like just because Zac Efron (we share the same birthday btw) tattooed the acronym on his hand, it's become so cliche and overused... I thought it was a given, that we're supposed to be programmed to make the best of what we have and make great decisions. Apparently, people are just realizing this... and constantly repeating it as if we didn't get it in the beginning.



Sure, we only live once, but that doesn't mean you should do things prematurely! Teenagers are often mystified by the wonders of adulthood and are eager to propel themselves into adulthood. They start smoking and drinking, but for what? Give a legitimate reason explaining why it's acceptable to drink at 16 years old. Can't think of one? That's right, there aren't any.

'You Only Live Once' does not entitle poor behavior. It encourages risk taking, adventures, boldness, and confidence. It means that you should not spend your life at home watching TV (or writing blogs, for that matter). And on that note, just because we live once, doesn't mean we won't be able to do things multiple times. Go zip-lining rather than watching a movie you could see later on. Go backpacking across Europe instead of spending your summer lazing around at home.



YOLO also means that you should make your own decisions and do things that you want (within reason, of course). So I'm sorry to say, C, that I won't be attending prom, but it's because I don't want to go. Why would I spend hundreds of dollars to go to an over-exaggerated party to spend 5 hours dancing with 700 kids I barely know? I'd rather not, thank you very much, and very little would change my mind (my red Zac Posen definitely would). Sure, prom only happens once in our lifetimes, but if you go without a speck of interest, it'd just be a waste of time and effort.

All in all, make your own decisions, do what you want, be bold and adventurous, and savour life while it lasts... after all, you only live once.

Until next time,
J