I remember first hearing the words carpe diem (seize the day) while watching the movie Dead Poets Society. Remember that movie? “Oh Captain, my Captain”…    It inspired many of us to think about those words and what they really mean to us. Does seize the day mean get your to-do list done, or something else?

To me, it means did I give my all at work, health, relationships and life? Did I make today worth living? Life is such a gift, and what we do with that gift determines a lot. 

This past week, I heard about two young people who had heart attacks. Both were in their thirties. One died instantly. The other was revived, but is still in a coma. On his Facebook wall, many of his friends are leaving him messages to the effect of, “Wake up, Tom. There’s a baseball game to go to!” “We love you, and have breakfast waiting for you.” “Okay, stop being so stubborn now and return my calls, Bro!” The outpouring of love is incredible. Why? Because people realize that time with those they love is short, cherished, precious, and once it is gone, or threatened, they want more of it. So, seize the day when it comes to loving those who mean something to you… before they slip into a coma. And seize the day in terms of doing whatever it is you are dreaming of.

So my question to you is, what does seize the day mean to you?
 
And then my next question is are you living what it means every day… and if not, what is preventing you from doing so?