“YOLO” is an acronym for the phrase “you only live once”, which was made popular by american singer “Drake”, is often used as a hashtag on social media feeds to bring attention to exciting events or excuse irresponsible behaviours. “Yolo” which is often used as a rationale for impulsive or reckless behaviour expresses the view that one should make the most of the present moment without worrying about the future. It is coined to reflect the fact that after much selfish consideration, a person can freely make decisions since we do not have another chance to life. Unfortunately, the “Yolo” mentality has swept the young adult generation with the desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable and unacceptable, a decision which is highly selfish and obstructive to ones future.

However, it is not always the case, as it could mean a whole lot more than being rebellious. The term itself have been misrepresented to mostly mean perverse behaviour and obstinate style of living. It is not a phrase specifically meant for a person to live on the edge with unaccommodating risks, neither is it an excuse to live a wayward life without making sacrifices for loved ones who have previously invested and cared for your wellbeing. If possible, the freedom to decide what should be done in any particular situation should not warrant intolerant views, beliefs and behaviours that could undermine a persons potential, harm the immediate people around or should it create a public concern. That being said, there is nothing wrong with living on your own terms, but with some discretion as you do not inhabit this world alone.

Sensitivity, compassion and morals are unique considerations which an individual must add as ingredients to his or her life style, if one values respect for himself or herself and the welfare of others. A total lack of decency and discipline limits a persons value, as it is what grades the worth of your actions. If rebellious behaviours attributed to “Yolo” was the way to go, you might as well blow all of the money in your account and sit at home doing nothing, you might as well date all the friends in the same circle, tell your boss to “shut the hell up” or just decide not to wear any cloths to work. It is your life isn’t it? So you might as well do as you please. I will never be able to phantom the unimaginable havoc this would bring to the streets.

However unfortunate, nobody has the luxury to live strictly on their own terms, it has never been and it will never be the case. You cannot live outrightly by precise conditions all because you think your life is yours and yours alone. Humans must be governed by rules and regulations if we intend on preserving the human race. So therefore, if you murder a man because he offended you, you must surely face the consequence, a repercussion nobody prays for. Hence, as a result of unfavourable situations, be cautious of your decisions, commitments and choices.

What happened to the state of being ethical in order for one to command admiration, what happened to you saving for raining days so as to provide your children with a better future or when emergencies arise. If your parents lived a life of “Yolo”, I bet a lot of us wont be here today, let alone reap our guardians treasures which they sacrificed tirelessly for us to inherit. Many parents make sacrifices to send their children to independent schools, same way children and loved ones pay for hospital bills when the old becomes very fragile. Giving up a lot does not make you foolish, it is an important part of the circle of human existence.

“Only when you become the right example will you become a force”

Therefore, do not be fooled by incautiously living in the present to the detriment of your future and successors. In ten years time, would you be proud of the person you are today? Or are you in line with who you would want to become in ten years? As an individual hoping to succeed in the nearest future, these are the very important questions you should ask yourselves from time to time. For the sacrifices and commitment to efficient hard-work which you make and offer today are definitely what will grant you your deepest heart desires tomorrow. Therefore, it is left for you to decide. I know that we have been cursed to die, but a renowned name will never die. But it takes a great deal of resilience, responsibilities and self-sacrifices to attain such an enviable yet so difficult title. Of-course there are no accidents or coincidences in life, as everything is in synchronicity due to everything having a frequency, but we can fight for a direction through the knowledge that is provided for us each day. For this reason, exist now without detriment to your future and live in harmony despite the different ideologies and interest. Besides, never forget to plant good seeds, so that the days when the rain comes, you will be ready to receive the opportunity that would help sprout those grains into fruits.