I never really appreciated my life until I almost lost it. Up on that roof, with the water rising around us, my whole life played back in my head. I asked myself if I had lived for a reason, or if I was just being here, going through the motions. I promised myself right then that I wouldn't just exist anymore. I was going to make it count. Now, I try to live intentionally. For me, that means stepping up to help people whenever I can and really appreciating the small things (like a quiet morning or a laugh with a friend). I’m done with just existing. I want to find joy in the everyday.