Y.O.L.O.... (apparently)

....There is not one topic or theme more relevant at the moment than *drum-roll* please...............

Y.O.L.O.

So. I've done my homework, checked official records and have reached a shocking conclusion. Apart from those who believe in reincarnation, good ol' Drizzy Drake is right, you do only live once*

*please note, anyone who says otherwise is a wizard!

Now how many of us, (emphasis being on us as a collective) go absolutely buck-wild when we hear 'The Motto'? 


I mean.....

 "you only live once, that's the motto n!**a Y.O.L.O!" 

Like just saying it again then made my left foot and my right shoulder start to move in-synch with each other. It was officially one of the hottest tunes out this new year and up till now- no matter how many times you hear it whether it be when you're driving, partying, studying or doing something completely un-Y.O.L.O, you just have to go innnnnnnnnnnnn.

Well if that's not you, then please do take extra time when reading this article as everyone else should be aware that Y.O.L.O is an epidemic that should be regarded as more concerning than global warming, (I mean at the end of the day, who cares if the sea levels rise and we run out of coal? Y.O.L.O!"

This phrase is dangerous!


You see what I mean? Even then when trying to reflect on something of a serious nature I used Y.O.L.O to justify not giving a flying monkey. It is this type of mindset which is the cause of this ever spreading disease which is eroding all common sense and moral values out of society as we know it.

"I do have a man...but tonight I wanna Y.O.L.O."

As funny as that might sound, that is a true statement and a representative account of how we as young adults are living today. 

                                         

So it took a tatted up drug addict bouncing around in lime green space boots and printed leggings to let you know that you only lived once? So before that you just assumed that you're like a cat with 9 lives yeah? Cooooooooool.

On reflection, that seems funny, and so obvious. Of course we all knew that life is short and you should seize the day but that doesn't mean you should use it as an excuse for throwing all logic out the window.

The above quote about having a partner but wanting to Y.O.L.O just sums it all up. So because you don't live more than once, you have reason to sleep with anyone and everyone regardless if you're single or not? 

Yes we only live once but STD's are real and that sortta mentality will see to it that you definitely only live once... Albeit, painfully.

One of my boys asked me recently: 

"Adz, what do you think the biggest issue affecting relationships nowadays is?"..... 

and oh shit son, you already know what I said!

From when you have guys in multiple relationships and girls saying things like: 

"He's like Nando's. You can't just have him alone- you need some sides!"

 (again, true statement!), why wouldn't I say the biggest issue is Y.O.L.O?

Hear me out, like I too am guilty of saying the infamous phrase when I'm making a spur of the moment decision and doing something I wouldn't normally do if I was using my head, and quite frankly there's nothing wrong with that.

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow"

That's a quote I read on someone's BBM status update which I feel links nicely with this theme. When I think of Y.O.LO, I look at it literally and as an instruction/reminder to always do 3 important things.

1. Go out and see the world.

I recently went to the Big Apple all off the back of me and my homie saying we wanted a holiday and within 3 weeks of that Y.O.L.O moment we were in a sexy apartment in the middle of New York. 

 

It was a fantastic experience and a well-needed break, I can only hope that in my life I will be able to see more of the world and that's a wish we should all share because believe me, the world is too big to contain yourself to a postcode or city for your whole life, go and live small *Naija accent*.


2. Expand your horizons.

"What do you fancy for lunch? I might go and have some Nigerian".

I overheard this being said by a middle-class, half Italian, half French colleague of mine and it truly blew me away, out of all the dozens of things he could eat for lunch, he opted to go to the food market and try some traditional Nigerian grub.

    

Seeing about 2 dozen non-nigerian office workers in suits and ties queue up for a small box of jollof or yam porridge almost brought tears to my eyes. These people didn't have to scream Y.O.L.O but were showing that life's too short to be sticking to the script all the time, go out and do something different. Even if it is just eating something you'd normally not look twice at.

3. Live more.

Life is for living, not existing. 

Don't ever forget that, take new opportunities when they arise and remember that the window of opportunity hangs on small hinges so act fast. Whilst we're still young, get the most out of life while we still can as you don't wanna be a bitter old person just reminiscing on all the things you could have, would have or should have done with your life.

So... What was my point again? Oh yes...

As opposed to using YOLO in the current context and doing something stupid, why not just practice what it actually means. Do things that enrich your life. Actively strive for change, progression and anything that will add to your life and the life of those around you. 

Because, at the end of the day, you only live once! (I just couldn't resist saying it once more).