Today's Our Last Day

I was first introduced to the phrase "Carpe Diem" in a high school literature class. My teacher, Conrad Vachon, encouraged all of his students to take heed to this Latin term meaning "seize the day" in all we did and in all we were. Twenty-five years later, I am still moved by the power of those words, though their meaning is even more significant to me now. I am 43. I am married. I have a 7 year-old son. My father died in the fall of 2007 from lung cancer. My body does not respond in the same way it once did after a 2-hour evening of basketball. And I am acutely aware that there is no guarantee of a tomorrow...TIME and LIFE EXPERIENCES being the culprits of this sober thinking.

For as I really see it, today "could" be my last day on Earth...sure hope not because I've still got hair gel left. Oh, and a family who needs me. And a business to run. And classes to teach. And kids to counsel. And my son's basketball team to coach. And a mom who still has things to teach me. And friends who don't need the reminder that their time could be up anytime as well. And a wife who wouldn't have a coffee partner anymore. And...you get the idea.

Now in spite of this, I once read that the definition of happiness (sorry, cannot remember who or where) is having:

• Something to do
• Someone to love
• and Something to look forward to

And I readily admit that the anticipation of going on vacation, meeting a friend for dinner, knowing I can sleep in, and coming home to my family after a long day at work are reminders that, indeed, the "future" holds power, excitement and intrigue.

But I'll wrap up with this:

Are you living how you want to? Do you enjoy who you are? Are you willing to stop being afraid? Who do you need to talk to? Can you make a plan, get excited about it, and still be okay if it doesn't work out? Is today the last day for the rest of your life? And if so, are you at peace with that?

Remember, we're not in control of much. But our corner of freedom is how we think about stuff.

Hope to hear from you...today! :-)

Jerry M. Nehr, Jr.
www.creativediscoveries.net