As I was driving home from school, I thought about all the work that I had to do.  I had two tests the next day, so I knew that I should probably study for them.  I also knew that I had to finish up an English project, and I had to prepare for the presentation as well.  On top of that, I realized that I had to drop my sister off at her dance practice.  Simply thinking about my laundry list of work, made my head hurt. I needed some time to myself without worrying about anything.  I got out of my car, trudged toward the nearby couch, threw myself onto it and took a nap.

Now what crazy notion prompted me to take a nap?  The notion could not have been senioritis because I was doing this type of thing for the past four years.  A couple weeks later, I was able to find a phrase that could best explain my habit.  Hakuna Matata!!

Hakuna Matata comes from the Swahili phrase that literally means “no worries”.  In my opinion, it is more than just a catchy phrase in a children’s movie, it is a philosophy describing a way of life that I believe everyone should live by.  The idea of “no worries” has also played a significant role in describing who I am.

The first step to embracing this philosophy is to acknowledge the fact that problems will arise in everyone’s lives that are beyond their control.  Once we are able to acknowledge this, we will be able to forget about the problems around us, ultimately leading to a life that is essentially free from unnecessary stress.

Now by reading the second paragraph of this column, you probably think that I am a major slacker.  On the contrary, Hakuna Matata gives me the ability to think clearly, as I am able to eliminate my immediate worries.  When I got up from that nap, I was able to focus on and complete the tasks at hand.

I would have to agree with Timon and Pumbaa in calling Hakuna Matata a “wonderful phrase,” as it can easily allow people to retain some degree of sanity despite the chaos of their hectic schedules.  This is a “problem-free philosophy” that I have lived by and hope to continue to live by as I enter college regardless of the amount work I have to do or errands I have to run.