Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what really makes me happy. As graduation gets closer, I’ve started reflecting on where I spend my time, energy, and money. The older I get, the more I realize that what stays with me the longest are not the things I buy, but the experiences I create. Trips like my recent weekends in San Francisco and Disneyland remind me that memories have more meaning than anything that fits in a shopping bag.

When I travel or spend time with friends, I feel most alive. There’s something about trying new food, laughing until my cheeks hurt, or seeing something for the first time that fills me with gratitude. Even simple moments, like watching the fireworks at Disneyland or walking through the city at sunset, make me feel more grounded. These experiences shape who I am, teach me new perspectives, and remind me how important it is to live fully in the moment.

Choosing experiences over things has also helped me live more intentionally. Instead of focusing on what I don’t have, I focus on what I can do, who I can be with, and what I can learn. Research even shows that people find greater happiness in experiences than material possessions, since experiences connect to identity and personal growth. This article from The Washington Post explains how experiences create lasting satisfaction because they become part of who we are.

As I prepare to close this chapter and start a new one, I’m holding on to that mindset. I want to keep choosing memories that matter, moments that bring me peace, and adventures that remind me who I am outside of work or school. At the end of the day, experiences make life feel rich and that’s something I’ll always invest in.

Choose one experience to plan this month. It doesn’t have to be a big trip, it could be a local adventure, a concert, or simply a day spent with people who make you feel good. Make a memory worth keeping.