If I could offer one piece of advice or tidbit of "worldly wisdom," it would be to live every day to the fullest and not worry about the past or the future, but appreciate what you have right in front of you. Go outside once in a while and enjoy the outdoors, just appreciate how beautiful the planet is and how lucky we are to have been born into this country and under this set of circumstances. Compared to many people around the world, we are lucky to have been born in the United States.
Lately I have found myself so worried about grad school and where I might be going next that I sometimes forget to just appreciate how far I've already come and what I have to be thankful for. When I was reading further into Epicurean philosophy, what Epicurus really meant by seeking out pleasure was just being able to afford the basics: food, water, shelter. I am lucky enough to have all of those. I have a job (which is lucky considering the current economic conditions), I have a house, and I even have the love of my family. Those necessities should be enough to alleviate most of the mental and emotional pain and suffering that I might encounter. I took a moment to realize that if I stopped at this point in life and went no further with my education, I would be happy, because I already have the necessities that many people do not. Seeking excess and constantly looking towards the future (or behind at the past) can only create tension and anxiety. Instead, we should take the time to appreciate what we already have and consider ourselves blessed for having it.
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first of all, good luck with grad school. its such an anxiety provoking time, but its awesome that your piece of advice is to focus on the present rather than worrying about the future and the past. someone once told me, your past is not your future, and neither is your present, and that has always stuck with me.
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