Carpe

“Carpe diem” means “seize the day”, which is sometimes good advice. Do what needs to be done now! Cross that Rubicon! Fix that roof! Go for the gold! Time’s awastin’. 

There are many things which need doing, and they will not do themselves, it is true. But these days a lot of things do not need doing and are simply wants or habits. Time on social media, for example, or following events on video feeds. If those are not seized, no big deal, to you or the universe

I’ve come to use carpe with a different connotation. As I get elderly, every moment is precious, and there is no reason to believe that anything I do will make my future ones brighter. Oh, I can follow common sense, and even occasionally work on that roof, but all in all I really need to appreciate my good fortune in still being alive and relatively aware.

I admit that throughout my life I have done some of the same, probably hurting my earning potential. Dithering on the banks of the Rubicon, enjoying the sparkles and the butterflies. As I look back, no regrets at a life filled with as much contemplation as action.

We are all unique. That seems to have been a good path for me _ at least I can imagine it so _ but that does not mean it would be so for you also. Carpe what you will.