Advice is tricky. We love to give it out, yet we rarely take it. We can see perfectly

what someone else can fix in their own life, but cannot always heed our own words.
And most often, we cannot admit that someone else gave good advice until they are
waving their fingers in our face, taunting with an "I told you so."

Why then, start an advice column? Why then, subject myself (albeit anonymously) to

the judgment and belittling that is sure to follow? Because, as Anaïs Nin said, "The
role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say."
Sometimes, we need to hear it from an impartial third party observer. Sometimes,
there's nothing else we can do, and sometimes, we may find the answers we were
looking for (or hoping to avoid).

If there is one most important piece of advice that this column will ever give out,

it is this: STOP WASTING TIME. Life is something that is consistently taken for
granted; and most often not appreciated until it is taken away. How many times
have you personally voiced the thought, "I'll do it tomorrow?” We often forget that
for some, there is no tomorrow. The moments we are given cannot be duplicated.
We are offered chances to take control of our own lives constantly, yet do not do so,
whether it be for fear of rejection, or lack of motivation.

If there is one thing I can tell you, it's do it now. Whatever you've been putting off,

whatever missed opportunity you've regretted, there is no better time than now to
change it. That cute boy you've been eyeing in psychology class? Say hello. That old,
dear friend that has fallen by the wayside? Invite them to dinner, or the very least
coffee. Your favorite grandparent that you haven't spoken to in weeks? Give them a
call.

Our time is now. This very instant. The opportunity we are given to reach out to

another may not happen again. Life is bigger than all of us, and always has different
plans. What you don't make time for now; you may never get to do again in the
future. Take a chance. Risk it. I dare you.
(Need some advice? Email aspens.answers@gmail.com and get ready for some
serious "I told you so's").