Cherry Blossoms.

FINALLY! It's that time of year again, where I just cover my instagram with photos after photos of cherry blossoms. This is absolutley my favorite time of the year. I mean come on, am I wrong to love spring this much? Every year, around the end of March, my school's quad (University of Washington, Seattle), is covered with cherry blossom trees. Breathtaking? Absolutely. 

The significance of cherry blossom trees can be traced back hundreds of years in Japanese culture. It is a symbol of fragility and the beauty of life. It is a reminder that life is amazingly beautiful but short. Every year, Japan has a yearly flower-viewing celebration called hanami. It's an event where thousands of people hold feasts under these cherry blossoms trees, also known as sakura. Going to Japan during spring time is definitely a bucket list for me (probably will have to wait till I retire, but wait I shall).

These cherry blossom trees, with their short, but beautiful blooming season is really just a simple metaphor that describes human life. More reason to love these beauties.

 So, when I look at these flowers every year, it's a good reminder to me that it's imperative to take a step back and remember that life isn't just about the stresses and how well you do in school. It's a reminder to me that life is just too beautiful to not enjoy. I need to remind myself to just take a deep breath, love the people around me, do crazy (but legal) things, continue doing what I love to do, but all keeping in mind that being happy is the main goal amongst them all.

Hopefully, where ever you may be, there is a cherry blossom tree near you. If there is go to it, take (a gazillion) photos, and take the beauty all in. These flowers only bloom once a year for a short period of time, so go.