Living a Deliberate LifeIn the 21st century, society lives a life where individuals are often too busy to think about life and its true meaning. People are often overwhelmed by unimportant things. What is living deliberately? If Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862), transcendentalist essayist, were alive today and asked me if I live as he suggests, I would have to answer no. I think it's almost impossible with all these new technological advancements in today's modern world. Thoreau tells us: “The nation itself with all its so-called internal improvements, which moreover are all external and superficial…” Living deliberately means simplifying and valuing the important things in life. People need to spend time on important causes like community. service and volunteering. A few times I volunteered at a food pantry, and it was a very humbling and valuable experience for me, one that I will never forget. It was heartbreaking to see all the people in need lacking the most essential things in life, like food. There were people waiting in line for about two hours before we even opened the door, just to get a number. I could hear people lining up as I packed up the canned goods and perishables. When the other volunteers opened the door and started calling numbers, and then we handed them their bags of food, they had this eternally grateful look in their eyes. It was as if the gratitude in their eyes pierced through and warmed my heart at the same time. It was a bittersweet moment, and hearing it over and over again was overwhelming. And on the other hand, there are other people in America, whose stress of the day is trying to choose the latest model of IPHONE, or automobile...... middle of paper. ..... it's up to me to take care of her. Being there for them makes me feel blessed. Therefore, people should not take small things for granted because we don't know what the future holds. Getting out more and enjoying nature should be a priority in life. Hear the birds singing early in the morning, smell the orange blossoms in spring or take a walk on the beach. Additionally, take a moment to look up at the sky, breathe deeply, and admire all the beauty that nature has to offer. Enjoying precious moments with loved ones, like watching your child play the sport they love most and seeing them smile while having fun. Don't let any distractions interfere, such as cell phones, the internet or social media. “Living deliberately” means different things to everyone. Whatever that meaning is, embrace it and live a life with purpose.