Like many of us in the first months of the year, I’ve been reflecting on my goals for the year and for my life.
But I realize that, unlike years ago when I had big goals and aspirations for the future, I feel so much more inspired and joyful about my present.
Reflecting on Goals and the Present Moment
This led me to reflect on the old saying, “Carpe Diem”. You’re probably familiar with this famous Latin phrase, translated as “seize the day” and used to justify all manner of spontaneous, sometimes impulsive, self-indulgent acts in the name of living as if there is no tomorrow.
We’ve used Carpe Diem (now updated to YOLO in modern vernacular) to throw caution to the wind and try new things, both good and bad. We’ve used it to take off on wild adventures and step past our fears, because we don’t know if putting it off til tomorrow will ever come. Sometimes, this opens us to powerful new opportunities, and other times it gets us into trouble. But it does remind us to appreciate each moment that life offers.
I feel called to embrace this phrase in a new way. Well, maybe to change the phrase a bit. “Seize” sounds aggressive and fear-based, as if we’d better grab it or it will disappear. It reinforces a fear and scarcity mentality about life, that there’s not enough time or that we don’t have enough yet (remember my other post, about being enough?).
From Seizing to Enjoying
My new take on Carpe Diem is Enjoy The Present (ETP if you want a new acronym). Even when I’m working towards goals or planning future adventures, life is more enriching and joyful when I’m immersed in the moment. I allow myself to fully appreciate and enjoy whatever is here.
It’s such a simple thing to do, but we’re so uncomfortable with it. We’re used to searching for and working towards the next thing. This leaves us feeling lack about what we have and believing that our happiness is constantly two steps ahead. It creates dissatisfaction, self-doubt, and a bit of panic.
Rather than feel I’m not keeping up with what I “should” be doing or flinging myself into experiences with the desperate energy of seizing the day, I relax into the beauty of this moment. Even things like folding laundry or taking out the trash become much more pleasurable when I’m not wanting to be somewhere else, doing something else “more exciting.”
Then, when the big trip comes or a spontaneous adventure emerges, I’m enjoying that, too, because I’m embracing every moment.
Peace Lives in Ordinary Moments
Remember to enjoy this moment for what it is. Find something to appreciate about it, even if it is just a deep breath or a soft pillow. In those ordinary moments lie the keys to peace and happiness.
