"The Time is Now!"

So, I've been working really hard to build up my savings because it's the "responsible" thing to do.  I've thought about possible investments~apartment/house, new car, etc., but the other day, my older cousin said something to me that was like a smack in the face!  I've always felt that I've lived my life with no regrets, but after graduating from college, I suddenly began telling myself that I needed to be more rational-more adultlike.  She asked me how much money I had saved and what I was going to use it for.  I responded with all of the "you're an adult now, this is what you're suppose to say answers," but she just looked at me. 



"I wish I could just use the money to travel like you," I said.  She then questioned why I couldn't.  I once again answered with rational reasons.  After I finished my list (which actually seemed rather short), she said this:

"THE TIME IS NOW!  You have your whole life to work and to be responsible.  Travel while you can because it may not be possible in the future.  You might have a nice house and a nice car, but you won't have the memories."

Wow!  I was shocked, confused, and inspired all at the same time.  This was my OLDER cousin telling me this!  After our conversation, I came to this conclusion.  Using my savings to travel the world might not be the most rational thing to do, but I do know that I need to live my life to the fullest.  Life is too short and precious to have any regrets.  We shouldn't just go through life, but we should experience it.  I really needed my cousin to say those words, so I could do a priority check.  This quote by Mark Twain pretty much sums up this post:

"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones that you did do.  So throw off the bowlines.  Sail away from the safe harbor.  Catch the trade winds in your sails.  Explore.  Dream.  Discover."

I must say, he was a very smart man...