
/Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at freedigitalphotos.net Make every day of your life an opportunity to grow, to give and to experience
As I approach the age of 40, I am determined to let the maxim “Carpe Diem” or as translated from Latin, “Seize the Day” become my philosophy for living. The truth is, there is so much of life I miss because I feel “I cannot be bothered”, or “I’ve got plenty of time to enjoy that ‘some other time’. Another common, meaningless excuse I have is “Maybe another day”.
I miss out on so much of life because I sleep, when I could be out going for a bike ride, tending the vegetable garden, or working on my favourite pursuit – writing. I feel I have good reasons – mostly these days “It’s too cold” – however, when I do throw off my blanket and “get on out there”, I am
never ever sorry I did.
Have you said “no” to activities or invitations because you feel they are “not you” or for some other reason? Could you be a richer person for having that experience? Is there an opportunity for you to contribute to society through the experience? I believe that is where our self-esteem and self-respect come from – immersing ourselves in certain activities in life that appear to be are calling.
I cannot speak for others, but it has seemed to me of late that the older I get, the faster time appears to go by. Time though is impartial. We are each given our share of it. However, there is one truth we cannot deny, even though we might not like to think about it. None of us are going to live for ever. Every one of us has a finite time on earth.
There is
so much more I know I could do every day. I know if I slept less, lazed around a little less (and I am not saying leisure and relaxation are not important – are vital for us all). Just as important if I was
ever present in every activity I engaged in – that is if I was completely mindful, then I am seizing the day. At the moment, some days I just let the day slip through my fingers, or hold it lightly.
Hold tight to
each and every day. Immerse yourself in every moment. Grab with both hands what life has to offer. Carry yourself with confidence and purpose. You know you have talents. If you are a writer who enjoys it too,
relish that fact. You are one of the few people who
love their job. If you are passionate about it, eventually it will pay.
And, you
are contributing to society.
Of course, there is a veritable smorgasbord of activities and experiences to be had in the world. You know deep down which ones resonate with your identity. Yet try to stretch beyond who you think you are entirely to try something new once in a while.
However, realise that at age 80 or 90, wouldn’t you like to look back on your life and know that every day was rich, full and meaningful for you. It doesn’t mean you won’t have suffered. However, you were out there, you were yourself, and at the end of each day as you retired you felt satisfied you did all you could do to make life more worthwhile for yourself and others.
And don’t put limitations on yourself! At the moment, say, going for a jog every day may not seem possible. Working up to it is! Praise yourself for every positive thing you do.
Life – be in it. Fully.
# Life
# Life Skills
# Meaning
# Purpose
# Passion
# Experiences
# Personal Growth
# Contribution