Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Article #243 Carpe Diem



            Funny how hearing a new phrase can affect you. Many years ago I first learned the Latin saying carpe diem, which I was told meant seize the day. According to Wikipedia it can also mean enjoy the day or pluck the day (when it is ripe.) Any one of those ideas can be useful especially for those in the twilight years of life. Though we don’t like to think of it, our days are numbered.
            What advice would you give your younger family members about this topic? I remember my paternal grandmother wisely saying travel while you still can or have the health to do so. I’ve discovered that’s smart advice, as now I don’t enjoy long road or plane trips like I did when I was younger because of joint stiffness and swelling ankles.
            If your bucket list has a destination left to visit, don’t procrastinate traveling. Go while you enjoy health enough to do so. One of the highlights of my life was journeying several summers ago to Iceland to see the land of my ancestors. The opportunity came to travel and I seized it. My husband doesn’t enjoy air travel, but he encouraged me to go. 
            I signed up with the Snorri Plus group that organizes trips for Icelandic descendents. There were seven of us mostly from Canada and two Americans who met in Rekjavik-the capitol of Iceland. For fourteen days we studied, traveled and interacted with Icelanders, even meeting some distant cousins.  The trip was a glorious experience and even though I was then in my seventies, it is something I will always remember. (See my blog for photos of my trip.) 
            Is there something you have always wanted to see or do? Now is the time to CARPE DIEM while you still can. Don’t worry about traveling alone, find someone to go along or signup with a group. Find a cheerleader who supports you in your aliveness. Perhaps you want to visit with your extended family more often, but can’t get them to take the time to travel to see you. Go to them. Face to face family time is so important even in our day of digital communication. My next trip is to visit my loved ones who live in New Mexico. Hubby will drive and I’ll relax and enjoy a family reunion. What are you going to do to CARPE DIEM? NEXT TIME: Mistakes?