Last Friday the temperatures FINALLY rose above 70 degrees in Minneapolis. The warm weather instantly brightened everyone’s mood and every patio in town scrambled to open for lunch and dinner. In true Minnesota form I met a few friends for happy hour at Crave to soak up the warmth on their spacious patio in St. Louis Park.
I didn’t know everyone at the happy hour very well but we had a great time talking about our lives, our dreams and plans for the future. Of course, I bought up my mantra of Carpe Diem and why it’s so important to me to seize the day.
One of the ladies asked me, “what lies at the foundation when you think of seizing the day?”
GREAT QUESTION!!!!
She went on to answer the question by saying for her seizing the day (or life) was really about the experiences she is able to partake in and enjoy. She said when it’s all said and done she’ll have all the memories from her experiences throughout this journey called life to reflect on.
I treasure experiences too. I think experiential learning is one of the best ways to learn because it’s truly hands on. Additionally, experiences are different for all individuals. Three people can eat the same meal but their senses will process the meal differently. A foodie might make the most of food, the preparation and the spices used. An extrovert may keen in on the atmosphere and energy of the restaurant while the third person eating the meal with the group the conversation at the table may be the highlight of their experience.
When I think about my most memorable “carpe diem” moments it comes down to CONNECTING!
Perhaps it’s because I’m an only child, extrovert or the child of “older parents” but I truly enjoy connecting with others. I’m not the best when it comes to remembering names, but if I have a conversation with a person I‘ll remember it. I love engaging in conversation and listening to other people’s stories. From those stories I gain a sense of connection. Connection in my mind is the foundation for any sustainable friendship and relationship.
It is possible for people to live life with a sense of connection but I believe that a life without true connection is a life void of the richness that other people bring. It’s something powerful about truly connecting with people.
So my friends I ask you, “what lies at the foundation when you think of seizing the day?”
CARPE DIEM
Jasmine,
Great article. I am so glad that we have had so many wonderful EXPERIENCES together. I love you!
-Rachel Venter
I’m so glad we connected all those years ago & you agreed to let me your roommate. We’ve had some adventures. I’m looking forward to many more experiences & memories. Lots of love my beautiful & kind friend!
I work at Hallmark headquartered in Kansas City. It’s a company known for manufacturing cards in most people’s minds but the truth is – at the heart of it, our products are really about emotionally connecting with those in our lives physically, virtually or at a distance. When I think about the foundation of seizing the day, I think about how important moments of connections are because though they may be fleeting, quality moments will nonetheless become our idealized memories of the future that we will treasure and re-feel whenever we wish. Seize the day means being conscious in making emotional connections either with a person or event so you can savor them again and again whenever your heart desires. Hugs Jasmine – Will
Just like connecting with the person next to you on the airplane. Thank you for sharing your story. Let me know if Hallmark ever needs any card writers! 😉 I’m proud to be a platinum member of the Crown Club. Lots of love my friend!
Jasmine,
I’m proud to call you my friend!
Angela
I always love reading your posts Jasmine! So sorry I won’t be able to see you on Sunday. I didn’t really think my movers would be 4 days late in getting here! Xo
Great post Jasmine! Seizing the moment to me is about being PRESENT. I agree that special times – whether seconds, days or years – can be fleeting and those that I can take with me are those where I was most present in the beauty of it all.
Keep writing, girl!
xoxo
Hi Jasmine,
When I think of seizing the day, I think of connecting and taking risks. With respect to connections, what’s most important is not just knowing someone’s name, but being able to connect with one’s soul and carry the imprint in a positive way (whether that imprint is a learning opportunity or just shear pleasure, it’s still a value add). Even the most brief connections can make the most lasting imprints.
Also, through those connections, there are often great opportunities that may be uncomfortable and challenging, but worthwhile because they help us grow and become better people. Also, there is no better feeling to me than to take a risk and it turns into a success! Makes life so much fun!
Thanks for this post! Lovely discussion!
Bisi
This is a great article and really shares the essence of what seizing the day is all about. I love it!
THANKS Michele! CARPE DIEM