I wasn’t going to write about this but in the midst of trying to think about fashion or travel my mind just can’t go there. Last week the world lost a beautiful and adventurous soul. I found out about the news yesterday and my heart was heavy. His name was Ben and he was one of my sisters dear friends from college. Ben was the kind of guy you would want to know. I still remember one of the first times I was around him. He had a two-door black Bronco and I felt so cool riding around in it, with the music  blaring, and my sisters other “cool college friends” beside me. I was a freshman in high school so being with cute college kids was just about the best thing I could think of. Fast forward four years and I found myself at SMU in Dallas. Being that he was born and raised in Dallas he invited me to dinner to make sure I was adjusting to the city okay and to let me know I had someone there if I ever needed anything. He was just that kind of caring guy. He was always so happy and so kind. Down for any adventure. In the words of my sister, “If he wanted to do something he did it. He was never scared of getting hurt or fear of the unknown. He had a gentle soul – quiet and easy going. He lived his life to the absolute fullest. Fulfilling every passion he had.”

This tragic news comes three years (almost to the day) that I too, lost someone very special to me. Talking to my sister took me back to that exact point of utter shock, anger, and absolute devastation you feel when first hearing the news of the loss. Those are all  still feelings I feel to this very day. I used to think I would eventually accept the loss but as years tumble on I realize you can’t accept something you never wanted to happen, you just live with it. You carry on but with a little piece of your heart missing. I am an extremely sensitive person and I often times feel like I take things twice as hard, so hearing of another great soul lost has my head and heart spinning. It is hard to find a reason behind tragic loss, or any loss at all, but if there is one, it is to realize just how precious life is and how quickly it can go. This past week I was able to spend time with my parents, babysit my niece, and celebrate some very exciting news for my family – these are the things I will cherish daily. These are the things that I am reminded are important in life – your family and your friends. The people you surround yourself with, that you love and they love you back no matter the situation. So, this Monday I hope you can squeeze your loved ones a little tighter and take the time to enjoy your day a little more. We are all here for an unknown time but we can all take time to appreciate, love, and take-in the small moments, not taking anything for granted.

Since I am a quote fanatic I wanted to share this one for you, Ben. Though a short life, it was jam packed with love, kindness, passion, dreams, and adventure – something we can all learn from.

“The cherry blossom falls after its short beautiful bloom. It floats gently down to earth. Its life is over, but the limitedness of its existence is one of the biggest reasons the blossom is so gorgeous. If we knew that the blossom would last forever, it wouldn’t have the same poignant beauty, and we’d take it for granted.”

By Leo Babauta