Carpe diem is a phrase from a Latin poem by Horace (See “Source” section below). It is popularly translated as “seize the day”. The general definition of carpe is “pick, pluck, pluck off, gather” as in plucking, although Horace uses the word in the sense of “enjoy, make use of, seize.” Wikipedia
Horace (Roman poet), was communicating that we should “eat, drink, and be merry” – an Epicurean approach to life.
To me, this saying communicates that life is short and we need to appreciate each and every day. Time is lived in the present –minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day. Once a day is over, it’s over FOREVER and can never be lived again. We only have so many days in our life SO we need to make them all count. The future is uncertain, and the past cannot be changed so all we really have is the present.
As I grow older I’m less inclined to spend a day on the couch because there is so much to see and do. For me, life is more about experiences and less about stuff. Don’t get me wrong, I like my toys but in the end they will break. What really matters are our relationships and experiences.
So …
- Invest time in those you love
- Make plans
- Challenge yourself
- Set goals
- Push harder
- Play harder
- Go farther
- Live stronger
- Don’t be afraid
- Love more
- Play more
- Give more
- Help others
- Let go
- Trust more
- Be vulnerable
- Create something new
- Discover something new
- Try something new
- Take time to smell the roses
- Share more
- Forgive easily
- Give others grace
- Finish well
We never know when life will end … so, CARPE DIEM!
Filed under: Life | Tagged: carpe diem, latin sayings, seize the day
