What started out as a simple song lyric has now made its way into an epidemic. YOLO, you only live once. It seems to be the modern day Carpe Diem, to seize the day, and has taken place on t-shirts, coffee mugs, bumper stickers, you name it.

Our generation has the wrong definition for the phrase and we aren’t using it correctly. YOLO isn’t an excuse to drive drunk, sleep around or act like a complete idiot. It isn’t a calling for our generation to live recklessly and carelessly. It should make you want to make the most of your life, to do something you normally wouldn’t do, to make a better life for yourself.

 Here are a few appropriate YOLO quotes:

“I decided last minute to go see London and Paris, I have always wanted to go and I finally have the time, YOLO.”

“I have never tried squid, but I might as well while I have the opportunity, YOLO.”

“I am really shy, but I think I’ll go up to him and introduce myself first, YOLO.”

And here are the quotes I never want to hear:

“I honestly didn’t have that much to drink, I can still drive, YOLO.”

“I really wanted cereal this morning but the milk is a month old, oh well, YOLO.”

“I have no idea how to drive a stick shift, but I’m going to practice on my dad’s Porsche while he is gone, YOLO.”

 While they both have similar messages, Carpe Diem means to “seize the day” to take the day that you have been given and make it the absolute best that you possibly can, to live positively but also productively. These are the years of our lives, and it’s important to make the most out of everyday, focus on the present and you are certain to have a better future. Whether it be YOLO, Carpe Diem, or Hakuna Matata, make it a goal for yourself to live each day to the fullest and make the most of what you are given. Strive to make each day a new adventure and a new opportunity to better yourself, as well as your outlook on life.